A state ceremony to honor the late former President of the German Bundestag, Rita Süssmuth, is scheduled for 24 February. The announcement was made by Bundestag President Julia Klöckner (CDU) on Wednesday.
In addition to Klöckner, Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) and, at the deceased’s request, author and journalist Heribert Prantl will speak in the Bundestag. The ceremony will be attended by Süssmuth’s family, all constitutional bodies, close companions, and other invited guests.
Klöckner praised Süssmuth as “one of the most formative politicians and personalities in post‑war German history”. She noted that Süssmuth opened debates and demanded responsibility on uncomfortable topics long before such matters became mainstream. “With this state ceremony we wish to honor her outstanding political and social life achievements and give her a lasting memory” Klöckner said.
The former federal minister and Bundestag President Süssmuth passed away on Sunday at the age of 88.
