 However, later research found that Rüdel had only overseen one trial and advocated for acquittal.The renaming represented a sea change in German attitudes towards the "Wehrmacht" role in the war that coincided with the opening of a controversial exhibition focusing on "Wehrmacht" criminality.By invitation of German Federal Minister of Defense Rudolf Scharping, President Heinz Fischer attended the barracks naming ceremony as President of the National Council of Austria in Rendsburg.