Overview
- In Berlin, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Italy’s Sergio Mattarella laid wreaths at the Neue Wache before Mattarella delivered the Bundestag gedenkrede.
- Bundestag President Julia Klöckner urged citizens to “understand and act,” calling for consistent defense of peace and democracy.
- Steinmeier’s Totengedenken used an updated text that now names queer victims of Nazi persecution and police officers killed in service.
- Volksbund chief Wolfgang Schneiderhan reported a structural shortfall with donations falling, costs rising, and an investment backlog above €20 million despite a €2.5 million federal top‑up.
- Across the country, ceremonies highlighted student involvement even as many local organizers confront shrinking attendance and rethink formats.