State Ceremony Honoring Former Bundestag President Rita Süssmuth Scheduled for February 24
A state ceremony will be held in Berlin on February 24 to honor the legacy of Rita Süssmuth, the former President of the Bundestag and prominent CDU politician, who recently passed away at the age of 88. The arrangements for the event have been confirmed by the Bundestag, reflecting the significant contributions Süssmuth made to German politics and society over several decades.
The commemorative proceedings will commence with an ecumenical service at St. Hedwig's Cathedral, followed by the official state ceremony in the plenary chamber of the Bundestag. The ceremony will be attended by members of Süssmuth's family, representatives of Germany's constitutional bodies, long-time colleagues, and invited guests. The event underlines the high regard in which Süssmuth was held within the political community.
In accordance with her wishes, key addresses during the ceremony will be delivered by Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Bundestag President Julia Klöckner, and journalist Heribert Prantl. Their participation underscores the breadth of Süssmuth's impact, both in government and in public discourse.
Rita Süssmuth began her political career in 1981, joining the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). She quickly rose through the ranks, and in 1985, she was appointed Federal Minister for Youth, Family, and Health under Chancellor Helmut Kohl. Her responsibilities expanded in 1986 to include the newly established Ministry for Women's Affairs, making her the first person to hold the position of Federal Minister for Women in Germany. This appointment marked a significant milestone in the advancement of women's representation at the highest levels of German government.
In 1988, Süssmuth was elected President of the Bundestag, becoming the second woman to ever hold this office, following Annemarie Renger. She remained in this influential role for a decade, overseeing parliamentary proceedings and helping shape legislative developments during a period of major transformation in Germany.
Throughout her public life, Süssmuth was recognized for her advocacy in areas such as social justice, gender equality, and family policy. Her tenure in various ministerial roles was marked by efforts to modernize policies affecting families, women, and children. She also played a pivotal role in integrating feminist perspectives into the CDU and advancing debates on social cohesion and justice within the party and beyond.
In June 2024, Süssmuth publicly disclosed her diagnosis with breast cancer. Despite her illness, she continued to be an active voice in public discussions until her passing. Her death on Sunday at the age of 88 was met with tributes from across the political spectrum, acknowledging her substantial influence on post-war German society and governance.
The decision to hold a state ceremony was made by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Such honors are reserved for individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the nation's public life. The most recent state funeral in Berlin prior to Süssmuth's was held for former Federal President Horst Köhler.
Rita Süssmuth's legacy is closely associated with her commitment to justice and her efforts to uphold the core values of her party while promoting progressive reforms. The upcoming state ceremony is intended to recognize her lifelong dedication to public service and to preserve her memory as a significant figure in German political history.