German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and his cabinet have officially received their dismissal certificates from President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

While Scholz and his ministers will continue in a caretaker role, this marks the end of their formal government.

During the ceremony at Schloss Bellevue, Steinmeier praised Scholz's leadership during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ukraine war, and the energy challenges of the first war winter.

The president highlighted the government's efforts in defense, energy security, and refugee support, calling their achievements "worthy of respect.

" This transition follows the collapse of the coalition government last November, and the new Bundestag is set to usher in a fresh leadership, likely under Friedrich Merz.