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Olaf Scholz Finalizes Musical Selections for Farewell Ceremony

The outgoing German Chancellor has chosen a mix of pop, soul, and classical pieces for the Großer Zapfenstreich on May 5, 2025, ahead of Friedrich Merz’s expected election.

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Overview

  • Chancellor Olaf Scholz will be honored with the traditional Großer Zapfenstreich ceremony at the Bendlerblock parade ground in Berlin on May 5, 2025.
  • Scholz's musical choices include The Beatles' 'In My Life,' Johann Sebastian Bach’s Second Brandenburg Concerto, and Aretha Franklin’s 'Respect.'
  • The ceremony, Germany’s highest military tribute, will feature speeches by Scholz and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius before the musical program and formal march-off.
  • The event comes as Scholz concludes his 1,347-day tenure as chancellor, marking the transition to a CDU-led government under Friedrich Merz.
  • Scholz’s selections reflect both personal and political themes, with 'Respect' echoing a key SPD campaign message from 2021.