Overview
- Delegates in Munich unanimously endorsed a call to require the German and European anthems at certificate ceremonies nationwide and the Bavarian anthem for such events in Bavaria.
- The motion frames the hymns as symbols that could strengthen social cohesion among young people, support integration efforts, reduce violent crime and encourage enlistment in the Bundeswehr.
- The resolution is a party position rather than law, so any obligation would require adoption by institutions or new legislation.
- Sebastian Roloff of the Bavarian SPD dismissed the push as a distraction from investing in schools and education.
- At the same congress, Markus Söder was re-elected CSU chair with 83.6 percent, his weakest result, and delegates urged their MEPs to seek changes to the EU tethered bottle-cap rule.