As outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz prepares to step down from his position, he has selected three significant songs for the traditional Großer Zapfenstreich, a ceremonial farewell event held by the Bundeswehr. The event is scheduled for Monday evening, May 5, 2025, and is steeped in military tradition, allowing departing politicians to choose music that reflects their time in office.
According to a report by Spiegel, Scholz has chosen two pop classics and one classical piece for this occasion. The first song to be played will be "In My Life" by The Beatles, a reflective piece that speaks to themes of memory and loss. Following this, an excerpt from Johann Sebastian Bach's "2nd Brandenburg Concerto" will be performed. Finally, the ceremony will conclude with Aretha Franklin's powerful anthem, "Respect," which has become synonymous with civil rights and empowerment.
Scholz's choice of music has drawn attention not only for its nostalgic value but also for what it may reveal about his character and leadership style. Government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit noted in a podcast that Scholz's selections reflect his serious and conscientious nature as Chancellor. He stated, "My impression is that the Chancellor has remained very true to himself in his choice of music. He has been a very serious, conscientious, and sober Chancellor, and that will also be reflected in the songs he has chosen."
Interestingly, Scholz is not known for being a big music enthusiast. He has previously mentioned in interviews that while he enjoys music, he has never been a fan in the traditional sense, lacking a particular star or band he followed closely. This makes his thoughtful selection of songs for the Großer Zapfenstreich even more notable.
The Großer Zapfenstreich is a ceremonial tradition in Germany, where outgoing leaders are honored with a military parade and musical performances. Past leaders have used this platform to make statements about their time in office through their chosen music. For example, Scholz's predecessor, Angela Merkel, selected songs that included the DDR hit "Du hast den Farbfilm vergessen" by Nina Hagen, and the hymn "Großer Gott, wir loben dich." Such choices have often been interpreted as a form of unspoken farewell message.
Scholz's selection of "In My Life" reflects a personal touch, as it is a song that resonates with themes of reflection and personal growth. The choice of "Respect" further emphasizes a commitment to social justice and equality, aligning with the values he has championed during his tenure. As Hebestreit pointed out, the songs serve not only as entertainment but also as a poignant commentary on Scholz's time in office.
As the ceremonial farewell approaches, discussions about Scholz's future plans have also emerged. Despite stepping down as Chancellor, he intends to remain active in politics by continuing to serve as a Bundestag member, having successfully defended his direct mandate in Potsdam during the recent elections. Hebestreit confirmed that Scholz will focus on his constituency, emphasizing his dedication to public service and community engagement.
Looking ahead, Scholz has made it clear that he does not plan to return to his previous profession as a lawyer. He has not practiced law since entering the Bundestag in 1998 and has no immediate plans to do so. Instead, he is contemplating his next steps in a political career, expressing a desire to explore what interests him in the coming years. "I have no idea right now," he remarked, indicating a period of reflection and consideration as he transitions from his role as Chancellor.
While some speculate about potential future roles, Scholz has ruled out becoming an ambassador, a position taken by some former leaders. Instead, he aims to focus on his work in the Bundestag and continue engaging with his constituents through regular meetings and discussions.
The Großer Zapfenstreich not only marks the end of Scholz's chancellorship but also serves as a moment of reflection for the political landscape in Germany. With a new coalition government of Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU) and Social Democrats (SPD) set to take office shortly after May 6, 2025, Scholz's departure signifies a shift in leadership and policy direction.
As the event approaches, many are eager to see how Scholz's musical choices will resonate during the ceremony and what they may reveal about his legacy. The combination of classic and contemporary music highlights the interplay between tradition and modernity, a theme that has characterized Scholz's time in office.
Ultimately, the Großer Zapfenstreich will serve as a fitting tribute to Olaf Scholz's tenure as Chancellor, encapsulating his journey through music that speaks to both personal and collective experiences. As he prepares to bid farewell, the songs chosen will echo not just in the ceremonial grounds of Berlin but also in the hearts of those he has served.
