German Chancellor Olaf Scholz Delivers First-Ever Humorous Büttenrede in Cologne

Scholz embraces self-irony and calls for mutual respect and compromise during a lighthearted speech at a New Year’s reception.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz gave his first Büttenrede, a traditional humorous speech, at the IHK Cologne New Year’s reception.
Scholz acknowledged his reputation as serious and reserved, jokingly referencing nicknames like 'Scholzomat' and 'Olaf the Silent.'
The speech included self-penned rhymes and playful nods to his Hamburg roots, surprising the audience with his humor.
He concluded with a call for respect, honesty, and compromise in political and social discourse, framing it as a New Year’s resolution.
The audience responded enthusiastically, giving Scholz a standing ovation for his lighthearted yet meaningful address.