Hélène Kohl, edited by Clément Perruche 11:45 am, December 02, 2021

Olaf Scholz is expected to succeed Angela Merkel at the head of Germany soon.

An official ceremony is organized for the departure of the Chancellor, who remained in power for 16 years.

To brighten up his departure, "Mutti" chose quite surprising songs that contrast with his usual sobriety.

Angela Merkel's departure is becoming clearer.

The handover of power with Olaf Scholz is due to take place next week, after the solemn vote of the members of the Bundestag.

But from this evening, the German army will pay homage to the Chancellor.

It is a four-century-old military tradition.

It will take place in the main courtyard of the Ministry of Defense in Berlin.

For the occasion, Angela Merkel has chosen a rather surprising playlist.

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Punk and feminist songs

Shiny helmets, waxed boots, brass bands and torches in the night: so much pageantry is surprising. Since 1949, the spirit of the German Federal Republic has been above all sobriety and efficiency. And because of history, we avoid parades of soldiers. Moreover, this military farewell ceremony is an exception. Angela Merkel will open the evening with a short speech to her 200 guests. Then there will be the homage of the Bundeswehr, the name of the national army. In total, 45 minutes will be played to music.

For their farewell ceremony, the Chancellor's predecessors had wanted to hear Beethoven or Sinatra. Angela Merkel, she made a very personal selection. She chose a religious song, which is not surprising coming from her, who is a pastor's daughter. The other song is an RDA hit performed at the time by East German punk icon Nina Hagen. A naive refrain that refers to the East German youth of Merkel. A whole world swallowed up, but important for the identity of 16 million Germans.

Finally, the Chancellor asked for a classic text song that proclaims

I want to win, I want to be free, I want to be tall, I want all or nothing

.

Merkel bows out on a feminist hymn.

We did not expect him on this ground.