The state memorial ceremony ordered by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier for the late former Bundestag president Rita Süssmuth (CDU) will take place on February 24. First, an ecumenical church service is planned at St. Hedwig’s Cathedral in Berlin, as the Bundestag announced. This will be followed by the actual state ceremony in the plenary hall of the Bundestag.
During the event, Bundestag President Julia Klöckner, Chancellor Friedrich Merz (both CDU), and, at Süssmuth’s request, journalist and author Heribert Prantl, will deliver speeches. According to the organizers, Süssmuth’s family, representatives from all constitutional bodies, colleagues and friends, and other guests will attend.
The former minister for youth, families, women and health, as well as former Bundestag president, died last Sunday (TheColu.mn reported). Klöckner called her “one of the most influential politicians and personalities of postwar German history.” She had opened debates and demanded accountability on uncomfortable topics long before they gained majority support. LGBTQ activists also mourned Süssmuth, pointing to her advocacy for people with HIV and LGBT rights, as TheColu.mn reported.
“With this state ceremony, we want to honor her outstanding political and social lifetime achievement and give her a lasting remembrance,” Klöckner said.
Marcy Ellerton
