After 16 years as Chancellor, Angela Merkel is adopted by the Bundeswehr.
Her choice of music has already been made - Merkel met a singer 30 years ago.
Berlin - Angela Merkel was elected Chancellor in 2005.
On Thursday (December 2nd) it will now be adopted by the Bundeswehr.
Because of the corona pandemic, the big tattoo is supposed to be different than usual, but a tradition remains: the CDU politician is allowed to choose the music to which she is adopted.
Among them is a song by GDR singer Nina Hagen, with whom Merkel already became acquainted.
Defies scandal on TV - Merkel wants Nina Hagen to do a tattoo
As the
Spiegel
reports, Merkel decided, among other things, for the musical interlude for the Great Zapfenstreich for the title "For me it should rain red roses" by Hildegard Knef. In addition, the staff music basket of the Bundeswehr is already rehearsing the hymn "Great God, we praise you" and the song "You forgot the color film", with which the punk singer Nina Hagen landed a hit in the GDR in 1974. Government spokesman Steffen Seibert has not yet commented on this.
In the course of her political career, Merkel also made the acquaintance of the now 66-year-old singer.
In 1992 the then Federal Minister for Youth and Women was a guest together with the punk singer on the Sat.1 talk show "Talk in the Tower".
During the discussion about heroin addiction, Hagen landed a scandal that is known to this day: with the words “I'm fed up with your lies, your hypocrisy”, she yelled at Merkel and other panellists and finally left the studio.
Angela Merkel says goodbye: Big tattoo under Corona conditions
The start of the big tattoo in the courtyard of the Bendler block, the Berlin office of the ministry, is planned for 7.30 p.m., before Merkel will give a short speech. The ceremony will also be televised live. According to
Spiegel
information, around 200 guests, including the 52 federal ministers from their time in
government and other companions, have been invited. According to the Defense Ministry, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is expected as the guest of honor.
Unlike usual, due to the corona pandemic, there will be no reception and a significantly lower number of guests, government spokesman Steffen Seibert announced on Friday (November 26) in Berlin.
The Chancellor will leave the Ministry of Defense immediately afterwards.
In addition, the 2G-plus rule applies to the event.
The great tattoo is considered to be the highest honor that the German armed forces can bestow on a civilian.
In addition to the Federal Chancellors, the Federal Presidents and Defense Ministers are honored with this custom when they pass.
Its origins go back to the 16th century.
(sf / dpa)