Final Words in June

Stephan Weil, the current Minister-President, will resign next week. As of this Tuesday, Olaf Lies takes over. I'll be a member of the state parliament afterwards, with plans to attend Lies's government declaration from my seat.

Curious about how Weil spends his final days? Crate-packing? Cleaning out the cellar in the state chancellery?

Well, something like that. I'll only take my personal belongings with me, and there'll be a lot of discarding or giving away. Then, it's up to Olaf Lies to decide how he wants to set up his office. I made quite a few alterations when I moved in.

Are the final days especially exhausting?

They certainly are. This farewell finale isn't without its theatrics. What I find genuinely lovely, though, are the personal encounters. There are always people on the street approaching me, expressing sorrow at my departure, acknowledging they understand, and expressing gratitude. That's the beautiful part of these final weeks and days. But aside from that, I'm currently enduring an endless round of farewells with an over dose of compliments, which can be a bit nerve-wracking. Cleaning up will likely happen over the weekend, but admittedly, it's all quite routine.

Did you hand things over in a tidy condition, as you personally desired?

Regarding the transition to Olaf Lies, yes. Naturally, it was my goal to have the last things closed off as best as possible. But I didn't quite manage it. For instance, there are currently small discussions taking place between several ministries that I'd have liked to wrap up. On the other hand, when I took over, I had to resolve questions that the previous government hadn't handled.

Is there a knot in your throat along the way?

The personal support can be quite touching. I hadn't expected it from so many directions. And that's actually an enormous privilege, though my head tends to spin.

Positive appreciation does make the departure easier. Can you handle complimenting well?

Well, we north German men deal with criticism better than compliments. The personal feedback from many citizens touches me deeply. After all, that's the very group I've been working for. Politicians exist to achieve something for the people.

Before I forget, let's touch on your setlist. The Hanover Military Music Corps will play "Bürgerlied," "Die Moorsoldaten" and "Won't Forget These Days" at your farewell. That's quite an unusual combination?

The text from "Bürgerlied" is excellent and fits particularly well at this time. The song originated during the Pre-March, before the Revolution of 1848. It's essentially a call for all to rise an stand, regardless of one's position in society. I would like to wish the same spirit for modern-day Germany. Our society is currently permeated by a deep pessimism in many places. Standing up and fighting is, in my opinion, a good response against this depression.

But with Friedrich Merz, things are going up again, right?

With the SPD in the coalition, things are going up again, you mean? But regardless, there's a lot of reasons to wish much success to the new federal government.

Alright, let's discuss the second piece, then. "Die Moorsoldaten*" is a very important cultural heritage in Lower Saxony for me. It originated from the prison camp Börgermoor in Emsland. The prison camp inmates sang it. I find it impressive how these people managed to maintain their dignity and hope under the worst conditions. That's why the song was close to my heart. People maintaining hope is also something we should do ourselves. After all, we're currently dealing with defending our democracy. "Won't Forget These Days* from the Furies is then also even more personal. The piece reflects my current mood accurately. In the final selection, "Hello, Goodbye*" by the Beatles was also in the running.

What will you do when you come home on Tuesday evening?

I imagine I'll sit with my wife in the living room, she'll make herself a glass of wine and I, a beer, and then we'll relax for a bit. At the moment, it all still feels quite surreal. When we meet again, I'll hopefully have already adjusted to the new reality. I'm looking forward to this new phase. The first week after the transition will involve a sailing tour, and when I return, life without a 80-hour week will begin.

So, after the transition, a bit of clear-headed thinking, followed by a start into retirement. How long will you be turning down invitations to talk shows?

I'm betting I won't be getting any more invitations.

The silence from the Lanz sounded a bit like the next invitation was already there.

Ordinarily, in politics, the rule is: out of sight, out of mind. I think that happens too, regardless of how much it might seem otherwise. Still, you shouldn't make assumptions. Besides, it's also questionable whether one should continue commenting as a former politician.

We've already spoken about how I find it annoying when former politicians constantly interject with good advice from the sidelines. There are a few like that in Germany. Will you avoid this?

I plan to avoid it.

Speaking of interjections, I found the initiative from Peer Steinbrück rather interesting.

On the contrary, I find the suggestions from Steinbrück, de Maizière, Voßkuhle, and Jäkel very good. What they propose is, in fact, a real state reform. I would sign most of it immediately. But not with the sidebars. It's certainly not inappropriate to continue contributing with expertise. It's also not inappropriate to occasionally explain politics. But it's a lot wrong to constantly know better from the sidelines within daily politics. That's always annoyed me and I have the good intention of staying away from that. The idea of constructively participating is certainly appealing. And that, after all, was the approach of Steinbrück and Co. Such an approach could perhaps only be taken in retirement, because you aren't sitting in a hundred different seats and pulling a thousand disinterested parties. I think it's a very smart initiative, worthy of much success.

I find the idea of a group of former politicians, perhaps a think tank of veterans, quite fascinating. I'd simply want a few honest, earnest people across all parties, giving warning and guidance to the young ones from time to time. And, for example, tell Jens Spahn what's up and what should be left alone.

You mean like a senate?

I would simply want a few good, sincere people from all parties, giving warning and guidance to the young ones from time to time. And perhaps even tell Jens Spahn what's up and what should be left alone.

A farewell speech for Stephan Weil, Hanover's city child.

Despite the change in leadership with Olaf Lies taking over as Minister-President, Stephan Weil is considering the transition in terms of policy and legislation, acknowledging that there are still ongoing discussions with other ministries that he’d like to resolve.
Stephan Weil, in discussing his career, mentions the importance of maintaining hope and standing up in the face of adversity, echoing the message of the song "Bürgerlied" that will be played at his farewell ceremony.
In the context of potential collaboration among former politicians, Stephan Weil expresses appreciation for the initiative proposed by Peer Steinbrück, de Maizière, Voßkuhle, and Jäkel, indicating that he views their proposed state reform as a valuable contribution with the potential for success, albeit with caution against constant interference in daily politics.