Book of condolences for honorary citizen Wolfgang Schäuble at Red City Hall

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  Wolfgang Schäuble

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  April 21, 2023: Kai Wegner welcomes Wolfgang Schäuble.

Berlin's Governing Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) and Senator for Economic Affairs Franziska Giffey (SPD) have paid tribute to Wolfgang Schäuble's services to Berlin and Germany.

"I was deeply saddened to learn of Wolfgang Schäuble's death today. He was a truly great man - a convinced European, a passionate Christian Democrat and a loyal friend of Berlin," Wegner said on Wednesday. "His voice, his wisdom, his convictions will be missed."

Wegner: Schäuble was a clever strategist and brilliant thinker

As a key negotiator of the Unification Treaty, he had become the architect of German unity. "And he always knew that this was not the end of our country's integration." This growing together was a matter close to his heart. "During the historic debate in the Bundestag on June 20, 1991 about the future seat of the federal government and Bundestag, he passionately campaigned for Berlin and tipped the scales for this important decision," said Wegner. "Wolfgang Schäuble held Berlin in high esteem, he enjoyed the cultural diversity of the city with his wife, he followed the political struggle in the city with great benevolence. As an honorary citizen of Berlin, our city will always honor his memory."

Book of condolences until January 5 at Red City Hall

Schäuble passed away peacefully at home with his family on Tuesday evening. The family informed the German Press Agency DPA on Wednesday. A book of condolence for Wolfgang Schäuble will be available at Berlin City Hall until January 5, 2024. Berliners and guests can sign it during the regular opening hours of the town hall from Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Kai Wegner and the President of the House of Representatives, Cornelia Seibeld, will sign the book of condolence on Thursday afternoon.

Giffey: "His tireless commitment remains an obligatory legacy"

Franziska Giffey, Senator for Economic Affairs and SPD State Chairwoman, also remembered the CDU politician: "Wolfgang Schäuble was a politician who always put the interests of the community and the country first and performed an outstanding service for the internal unity of Germany over decades," she said. "Especially now, in a time characterized by division and discord, his tireless commitment remains an obligatory legacy for all democrats." "I was repeatedly impressed by his intelligent and profound speeches, with which he spoke to the conscience of both the government and the parliamentarians and provided guidance," said Giffey. "With deep respect and gratitude for Wolfgang Schäuble, I extend my sympathy to his family and friends."