The late Bernhard Vogel, a prominent figure in German politics, was honored with a state funeral in Mainz, attended by dignitaries from across the nation. Vogel, who passed away in March at the age of 92, left an indelible mark as the only politician to have served as Minister-President of two different German states: Rheinland-Pfalz from 1976 to 1988 and Thuringia from 1992 to 2003.
During the ceremony, Alexander Schweitzer and Mario Voigt, the Minister-Presidents of Rheinland-Pfalz and Thuringia respectively, along with other notable figures, praised Vogel for his role as a 'Brückenbauer' or bridge-builder. They highlighted his commitment to the unification of Germany and his contributions to education and science.
Vogel was lauded not only for his political achievements but also for his integrity, readiness to compromise, and vision for modernization. His efforts in fostering unity between East and West Germany were particularly celebrated. The ceremony, attended by around 150 guests, including former minister-presidents and notable politicians, was broadcast live, underscoring his influential status.
As a testament to his impact, the state funeral was held at Vogel's wish, with further commemorations at Erfurt Cathedral and Speyer Cathedral. Vogel's legacy as a 'Jahrhundertpolitiker'—a politician of the century—remains a testament to his belief that politics should serve the people, embodying a lifetime dedicated to service and unity.
