Chancellor Merkel Wants Parties to Agree on Joint Candidate for Federal President
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Chancellor Merkel said the goal is for the parties to agree on a candidate for Federal President.
(© picture alliance / dpa)
In the wake of the resignation of Christian Wulff, Chancellor Angela Merkel said that the political parties will consult on the selection of a candidate to succeed him as Federal President. The goal is to be able to agree on one candidate to propose for the office of Federal President.
In a televised statement, Chancellor Merkel expressed her great respect for Wulff and her regret at his decision to step down as Federal President on February 17. “During his term in office, Christian Wulff worked with full energy for a modern, open Germany,” Merkel said. He had made clear that Germany’s strength lies in its diversity, she said. Wulff and his wife, Bettina, deserve the country’s thanks for representing German honorably both in the country and abroad.
Wulff announced his resignation on February 17, saying that the developments in recent days and weeks had detracted from people’s trust in him and thereby affected his ability to do his job effectively.
Until a new Federal President is elected by Federal Convention, Horst Seehofer, president of the Bundesrat and Minister President of Bavaria, will assume the duties of Federal President.
