Scholz to hand over power in Germany to sound of feminist anthem Respect

theguardian.comPublished: 5/5/2025

Summary

The German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will bid farewell to power with a military band performing his favorite tunes, including "In My Life" by The Beatles, a nod to his time as mayor in Hamburg, Bach’s music referencing his career in Brandenburg, and Franklin’s "Respect," which hints at key aspects of his election campaign. His choice of songs reflects his political journey, personal relationships, and the tradition of such farewell ceremonies, while also offering insight into his sometimes gruff demeanor and lack of verbal engagement.