The president has hardly any power in Germany. After bad experiences of Weimar Republic, especially with Reich President of Hindenburg, who prepared Hitler’s way to power, mors and fars of Basic Law deliberately provided for this.
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In event of a crisis, however, supreme representative of state will also have influence and power after letters of Constitution. When government formation falters and parties refuse, he can do more than just admonishing word.
Frank-Walter Steinmeier seems determined to fulfil this task. After nightly failure of probes for a black-yellow-green Jamaica Alliance and a prolonged conversation with incumbent Chancellor Angela Merkel – his boss until beginning of year – he urged responsibility of all parties. Not just those of union, FDP and greens. But also SPD, in which his membership has been suspended since he was elected president of Confederation.
© Jacob Börner Ludwig Greve n Policy Editor at time online and freelance author to author page
At same time, he made it clear that he will not simply open way to a reelection – that in eyes of some simplest solution from procedural situation. But that he will actively intervene. Steinmeier announced that he would hold talks with all responsible parties as well as President of Bundestag, Bundesrat and Constitutional Court, next to him and Chancellor to or supreme State organs.
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The formation of government is highest order of electorate. “This goes far beyond one’s own interests,” emphasised Steinmeier. This order cannot be simply returned to electorate. “Those who apply for political responsibility must not push mselves when y hold m in ir hands.”
A very worthy sentence that leaders of all parties should remember. Not only FDP chief Christian Lindner, who had Jamaica talks failed. Also Martin Schulz, who had just before Steinmeier’s appearance confirmed rejection of his SPD to a renewed grand coalition.
All parties involved and so far not involved should refore heed call of federal president to stop and reconsider ir position. It is not long before time to print posters for a reelection. The voters spoke eight weeks ago. Your order is to be fulfilled, even if it becomes difficult. Steinmeier is absolutely right.
Experiencing crises
As a federal president, Joachim Gauck was a stroke of luck for German democracy because, like no or, he emphasized value of freedom and responsibility of each individual. His successor can also be a stroke of luck in a situation unfamiliar to Germany. If he does justice to his own chosen task: to help Germany, despite current problems, to a stable government.
Now it pays off that Steinmeier, whom some had dismissed in his election, has great experience as Chancellor Chancellery, vice-chancellor and, above all, foreign minister. He has proven in this office that he can manage crises. Far more serious than that which Germany has been able to cope with since 24 September. One should also now wish him a happy hand.
