Overview

• In an interview with the Rheinische Post, the Bundestag vice president proposed putting Bertolt Brecht’s “Kinderhymne” to a public vote as a possible replacement for the current anthem.
• He also urged a popular decision on the black‑red‑gold flag, arguing that many people feel uneasy with the national colors.
• Ramelow said many East Germans do not sing the existing anthem, while he personally still sings it "with enthusiasm" because he can contextualize it.
• He suggested using Article 146 of the Basic Law to enable a popular decision via a new constitution, a theoretical path not taken during reunification and considered politically demanding.
• The AfD condemned the idea as unrealistic and bizarre, sampled reader reactions were largely negative, and no formal steps toward any referendum or legislative process have been initiated.