German foreign affairs minister set to become president in next elections

A top German minister on Monday was given the green light by Chancellor Angela Merkel to become the country's next president, German media reported.


Social Democratic Party (SPD) member and current Minister for Foreign Affairs Frank-Walter Steinmeier is poised to become German president in the Feb. 2017 federal assembly elections, having received the support of Merkel's Christian Democratic Union (CDU).

The SPD, the CDU and its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union, comprise the grand coalition in parliament.

According to German media outlets, Merkel called CDU directors to inform them of her support for Steinmeier following a coalition meeting held Sunday.

Steinmeier is one of the most respected politicians in Germany and has served as foreign affairs minister for the duration of Merkel's 2005-09 and 2013-17 tenures and was, himself, candidate for chancellor in 2009.

The President of Germany is a non-executive role that presides over the country's Parliament.

The post is appointed by the federal assembly, convened solely for presidential elections.

Incumbent President Joachim Gauck, who was a prominent anti-communist activist in East Germany, assumed office in 2012.
 EFE
14/11/16