Olaf Scholz's pension is secure: This is how much money he receives as former chancellor

In the end, in the weeks following his election defeat, it was a quiet farewell. No pathos, no grand words—just a curt "Yes, bye," with which Olaf Scholz left his last EU summit at around 11 p.m. in late March. His departure was typical of the Hanseatic politician: sober, controlled, almost cold. Following the February election, further pale, reserved appearances as acting Chancellor followed.

Most recently, the 66-year-old sat in the front row at Pope Francis's funeral . Now, after three years in office, his tenacity is over. And the man who never stood out for grand gestures, but rather for his persistence and, as CSU leader Markus Söder mockingly put it in 2021, his "smurfy grin," must change his political role. But it's not over yet. He's also set for life.

When Scholz replaced Merkel in 2021, he promised “respect for all”

Olaf Scholz's chancellorship began under the most difficult circumstances imaginable. When he succeeded Angela Merkel in December 2021 after 16 years in office, he promised "respect for all," a daring traffic light coalition with the FDP and the Greens—and a policy of progress. Then came February 24, 2022: The Russian attack on Ukraine changed everything. Scholz responded with a term that stuck to him like a sticky label: "A turning point."

But what was heralded as a turning point often stalled in practical implementation. The 100 billion euros for the Bundeswehr – a historic signal, but the money flowed slowly. Arms deliveries to Ukraine – always carefully considered, often too late. Domestically, Scholz wrestled with coalition partners who found little compromise on many fundamental issues. Initially, the SPD , Greens, and FDP exuded a spirit of optimism with selfies; a few weeks later, they were at loggerheads, finding little compromise, and—perhaps most devastating—everything leaked out.

The result: Scholz's approval ratings plummeted, and his communication—the catchphrase being "Basta Chancellor"—remained brittle. Those who had his best interests at heart interpreted it as a chancellor who didn't waver, who faced crises like inflation , energy prices, and migration with characteristic calm. Whether that was a strength or a weakness is something historians and his comrades in the SPD will likely debate for a long time to come.

Simple member of the Bundestag without ambitions

After a decisive election victory for the CDU/CSU under Friedrich Merz , Scholz isn't retiring into private life, as one might expect from a man of his age. Instead, he's returning to the Bundestag. He once again won the direct mandate in the Potsdam – Potsdam-Mittelmark II – Teltow-Fläming II constituency. For Scholz, this means: a regular MP, back row, sitting down.

A clear signal? Olaf Scholz wants to continue to have a say, at least for a transitional period, even if no longer from the government bench. Instead, he wants to stay in the background. He was no longer involved in the coalition negotiations, leaving everything to the new super-Social Democrat Lars Klingbeil , who will now become Vice Chancellor and likely Federal Finance Minister. In an interview, Scholz once laconically stated: "Chancellor was my last job." Not a sentence for the history books, more for the record.

Yet perhaps that is precisely his logic: no fuss, at least not now. No foundation, probably no biography for the time being, and no book of accounts. Of course, anything could still happen. But for now, Scholz is disappearing as he governed – controlled, quiet, and serene. At least that is consistent – ​​and for many, disappointing. In times when politics is increasingly becoming a stage set, the soon-to-be former chancellor refused to be a performer. He was the anti-performer, the administrative professional, the sober lawyer in an emotionally charged world. In other words, it is a quiet exit – with a filing cabinet full of minutes, a civil servant's heart, and the firm belief that one can also lead with silence.

Monday's tattoo: No drama, but a warning

Scholz's predecessor, Angela Merkel, had requested the GDR hit "Du hast den Farbfilm vergessen" (You forgot the color film) by Nina Hagen to be played at the tattoo, the highest military ceremony of the Bundeswehr, as well as the chanson "Für mich soll's rote Rosen regnen" (It should rain red roses for me) by Hildegard Knef and the hymn "Großer Gott, wir loben dich" (Great God, we praise you).

It won't be a shower of red roses for Scholz on Monday, but there are hidden messages. According to a media report, the outgoing Chancellor has requested two pop songs and one classical piece for his official farewell. According to Spiegel, the Beatles classic "In My Life," an excerpt from Johann Sebastian Bach's Second Brandenburg Concerto, and the song "Respect" will be played at the Bundeswehr's Grand Tattoo.

The latter was originally written by American singer Otis Redding, but only became a worldwide hit through soul singer Aretha Franklin's interpretation. The original lyrics are about a man who wishes his partner would appreciate more recognition when he comes home from work. Hint: Scholz has also often complained that his work as chancellor is not appreciated. His spokesperson, Steffen Hebestreit, commented on the music selection in a podcast with the news magazine Politico: "My impression is that the chancellor has always remained true to his choice of music. He was always a very serious, conscientious, and also sober chancellor – and that is precisely what the songs he chose reflect."

Scholz's demands: office, driver, at least 6000 euros a month

Even in his retirement as Chancellor, Olaf Scholz remains – in the broadest sense – a servant of the state. He enjoys extensive privileges: an office with a staff, a personal driver, and security services – just like his predecessors Angela Merkel, Gerhard Schröder, and Helmut Kohl. He is also financially secure: After leaving office, he will receive a pension based on his time in office – after one legislative period, this amounts to approximately €6,100 gross per month, with an increase of up to 65 percent of his official salary for each year of service.

During his term in office, Scholz earned approximately €38,300 gross per month – consisting of official salary, allowances, and expense allowances. As a member of the Bundestag, he receives an additional pension of approximately €10,600 gross per month, plus a tax-free expense allowance of approximately €4,700.

In addition to the financial benefits, Scholz enjoys further perks as a former chancellor: a chauffeured company car, Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) protection, an official apartment, and the use of a fully equipped office. Thanks to his long political career – including as mayor of Hamburg and federal minister – Scholz is financially secure. Scholz also does not seek seats on supervisory boards, does not intend to engage in lobbying, and is unlikely to return to his job as a lawyer for the time being.