SHOTLIST: BERLIN, GERMANY (MAY 05, 2025) (ANADOLU - ACCESS ALL) 1. MILITARY FAREWELL CEREMONY, SOLDIERS LINED WHILE HOLDING TORCHES 2. GERMAN CHANCELLOR OLAF SCHOLZ ARRIVING AT CEREMONY 3. VARIOUS OF MILITARY FAREWELL CEREMONYBERLIN, GERMANY - MAY 05, 2025: A military farewell ceremony took place in Berlin on Monday, May 05, to honor outgoing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Speaking in the garden of the Ministry of Defense, Scholz expressed gratitude to the German people for his 3.5-year tenure. Set to transfer leadership to Friedrich Merz of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Scholz highlighted the democratic nature of temporary office-holding, distinguishing democracies from autocracies. He noted that recent turbulent years laid the groundwork for a modern, efficient Germany, urging unity and appreciation for the nation’s global friendships and cosmopolitan identity. Scholz called for recognition of Germany’s strength in solidarity, expressed pride in serving as chancellor, and wished Merz success. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius lauded Scholz as a resolute and wise leader who guided Germany through challenging times. The event, attended by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, his wife Elke Büdenbender, and numerous senior politicians, featured the traditional “Grosser Zapfenstreich” ceremony, reserved for departing presidents, chancellors, and defense ministers.