In his brief welcome address, Mayor Frühauf emphasized that despite the current uncertainties in the face of numerous conflicts and economic crises, there were also many positive things to report. This is primarily due to the many people who are committed to and for the city of Idar-Oberstein. Whether in voluntary work, in business, in partnerships such as with the artillery school or in the civic community - there are dedicated people everywhere who are committed to the city. "As Lord Mayor, it makes me proud to see how we stand together even in challenging times." He therefore called on those present to enter the new year with confidence and self-assurance despite everything. "Let us continue to work together courageously and confidently to build a strong Idar-Oberstein."
Confidence and trust in each other
This year, the Rhein-Zeitung took over the New Year's address for the three organizers. Thomas Haag, who stood in for editor-in-chief Lars Hennemann, who was unable to attend at short notice, gave it under the motto 'Confidence'. And immediately raised the question of what we can draw this confidence from despite all the current news and adversities. In addition to the international events of the last few days, he also named a number of problems: the welfare state standing on feet of clay and crumbling prosperity, the already absurd bureaucracy in some areas, an expiring post-war order and the fact that the checkbook diplomacy practiced to date has had its day and that we urgently need to address the issue of defence again. However, Haag warned against all those who propagate simple solutions to these problems. "We should thoroughly distrust these barons of lies." Instead, he pleaded for a fundamentally different culture of cooperation. "And for that we need confidence or trust above all." And that means trust between the various players and with each other. "Only if we trust ourselves and find our way back to our old strength or maintain the strength we still have will we remain a global factor and not just a pawn." According to Thomas Haag, this will be a long and rocky road, but it is crucial that it leads in the right direction again.
Honors and awards
The Joint New Year's Reception provides a worthy setting for special awards. Colonel Olaf Tuneke presented two awards on behalf of the Bundeswehr.
Colonel Tuneke presented Government Chief Secretary Peter Wendlandt with a certificate of thanks from the Federal Ministry of Defense for his 25 years of service. Wendtland initially served as a soldier from January 1, 2001 and has been the fleet officer of the artillery school in a civilian employment relationship since January 1, 2024. "He is an example of how you can continue to work in the 'Bundeswehr internal market' even after your service as a soldier."
Corporal Patrick Schwinges was honored for his outstanding civil courage and selfless commitment. In 2024, he tried to mediate a dispute in a restaurant and protect a female employee. He was seriously injured in the eye. "Lance Corporal Schwinges is a role model for bravery and a sense of duty," emphasized Colonel Tuneke and presented the soldier with the artillery school's coin, while Mayor Frühauf also presented him with a druse bearing the coats of arms of the city and the artillery school.
Traditionally, the City of Idar-Oberstein's sponsorship award for art and culture is presented at the New Year's reception. At the last New Year's reception, the band SpeedBottles were awarded the cultural prize for 2024 and provided the musical backdrop for this year's event. With their brilliant punk and hard rock, the five musicians brought a breath of fresh air to the exhibition hall and were rewarded with plenty of applause from the audience.
"Art and culture are the beating heart of a vibrant society," emphasized Lord Mayor Frank Frühauf in his laudatory speech for the 2025 Culture Award winner, the Tiefenstein Music Society. The association was founded in 1879 as the Hettstein Music Association, making it one of the oldest associations in Idar-Oberstein. Despite its age, the association has an impressive ability not only to preserve tradition, but also to breathe new life into it, said the mayor. The Tiefenstein Music Society has been shaping cultural life in the region for decades and sets standards for musical diversity and quality with its concerts, events and activities. The commitment of conductor Martin Wendel deserves special mention. "He challenges his orchestra, but also encourages it, especially the young talent." It is significant that the youth orchestra of the Tiefenstein Music Association was already awarded the Culture Prize in 2010 under the direction of Martin Wendel and that the Orchestra of Generations has now followed suit. "This shows the sustainable and outstanding work that is being done there," emphasized Lord Mayor Frank Frühauf and presented the association's chairwoman Theresia Rommelfanger and conductor Martin Wendel with the award certificate for the sponsorship prize for art and culture for the year 2025. The prize is associated with prize money of 2,500 euros, which is sponsored by Kreissparkasse Birkenfeld. In addition, the Tiefenstein Music Society will provide the musical accompaniment for the 2027 New Year's reception.
Conductor Martin Wendel expressed his thanks for the award on behalf of the newly crowned culture prize winner. "We are very proud of this award and will cherish it." He also took the opportunity to promote his own cause. On June 20, 2026, the Tiefenstein Music Association will be holding a concert entitled "Music in Motion" at the Idar-Oberstein Exhibition Centre, which will be performed together with dance groups from the region and a professional river dance group.
Happiness in pretzel form
At the end of the New Year's reception, master baker Alfred Wenz, chairman of the district master craftsman and head master of the bakers' guild, presented a New Year's pretzel to Lord Mayor Frank Frühauf. The traditional symbol of good luck is intended to protect against illness, misfortune and hunger in the New Year. Mayor Frühauf expressed his thanks for this special gift and emphasized the importance of the skilled trades for the regional economy. The New Year's pretzel was then distributed to the guests, who enjoyed the delicious baked treat.