German parties seal deal over new president

Germany’s leaders backed Joachim Gauck, a human rights campaigner, to become the country’s next Federal President on the 19 February 2012, after a climbdown by Angela Merkel, Chancellor, who had previously blocked his nomination.

The unexpected decision late cleared the way for a swift change of president after the resignation on the 17 February 2012 of Christian Wulff.

Mr Wulff stood down after state prosecutors demanded his immunity be lifted so they could investigate allegations of improper favours.

ESO: Background information: Claims over president threaten to engulf Merkel http://www.europeansources.info/record/claims-over-president-threaten-to-engulf-merkel/

BBC News, 19.2.12: German parties agree on Joachim Gauck as new president http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-17092633

Deutsche Welle, 19.2.12: Gauck's civic engagement wins him wide support http://www.dw.de/dw/article/0,,15751782,00.html

Spiegel Online International, 20.2.12: German Parties Choose Christian Wulff's Successor http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,816362,00.html

Spiegel Online International, 20.2.12: Defeat in Presidential Battle Leaves Merkel Isolated http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,816442,00.html

Spiegel Online International, 20.2.12: Gauck Will Be 'an Unpredictable President Who Irritates' http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,816441,00.html

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