"Responses various, direct challenges, unusual": public reactions to Ramelow's proposal for a fresh national anthem and flag

In a surprising turn of events, Thuringia's Minister-President, Bodo Ramelow, has proposed a radical shift in Germany's national symbolism. His suggestion, which includes adopting Bertolt Brecht's "Kinderhymne" as the new national anthem and holding a referendum on the black-red-gold national flag, has sparked a heated debate among political parties.

Ramelow's proposal has been met with criticism from various quarters. The AfD's Stephan Brandner dismissed it as "superfluous summer holiday talk," while Götz Frömming described it as a "frontal attack on the heart of our national identity." The FDP, too, has been vocal in their opposition, with Wolfgang Kubicki labelling the proposal as divisive, stupid, and populist.

The current national anthem, "Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit," was written by Heinrich Hoffmann von Fallersleb in 1841 and composed by Joseph Haydn. It has been the national anthem of the Federal Republic of Germany since 1952, a period during which it was also used in the Weimar Republic. The third stanza of the anthem has been the national anthem since 1952.

The black-red-gold flag, which Ramelow also wants to make permanent, was decided upon by the Frankfurt National Assembly in the revolutionary year 1848. This colour combination stands in stark contrast to the black-white-red used by the Kaiserreich and the national socialist Germany.

Former Justice Minister Marco Buschmann criticised the proposal, stating it undermines the integrative function of the German flag and anthem. CDU General Secretary Carsten Linnemann went further, stating that any debate about the national anthem questions democracy, fundamental rights, and rule of law. Julia Klöckner, Bundestag President, and Michael Kretschmer, Saxony's Minister-President (both CDU), also criticised Ramelow's proposal.

Ramelow's political goal is to initiate a democratic process to adopt a new national anthem and flag, aiming to create a unifying symbol that all Germans, especially many East Germans who currently feel alienated, can embrace with joy. He links this to Article 146 of the Basic Law, which allows for a new constitution decided by the German people in free choice.

The proposal has also led to Ramelow threatening to exit his party due to a lack of lively discussion about East Germany in Thuringia. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether Ramelow's proposal will gain traction or be dismissed as a divisive and populist move.

"Responses various, direct challenges, unusual": public reactions to Ramelow's proposal for a fresh national anthem and flag