Overview

• A three‑day citizen festival from Oct. 2–4 has turned central Saarbrücken into a celebration zone featuring stages, light shows and a Ländermeile where all 16 states present themselves.
• The official ceremony begins at 12:15 p.m. on Oct. 3, with Chancellor Friedrich Merz delivering the central address and French President Emmanuel Macron speaking as guest of honour.
• Host Anke Rehlinger, Saarland’s minister‑president and current Bundesrat president, emphasizes moving beyond an East–West lens to tackle shared challenges.
• Public programming includes Berlin Wall‑themed art installations titled “16 Walls, 16 Artists,” alongside exhibits and activities showcasing regional culture and civic education.
• Coverage notes continued disparities in wages, wealth and productivity between eastern and western states, set against heightened European security concerns.