German SPD insists on Steinmeier for president

Germany's Social Democratic Party (SPD) named in October 2016 Frank-Walter Steinmeier to become the country's next president, only to be met with criticism by the Bavarian right-wing CSU party and the rejection of the leftist parties.

Finding a consensus for the ceremonial head of state position was part of the agreement signed by the grand coalition (SPD, CDU and CSU) in 2013, ahead of the formation of the government.

Politico, 24.10.16: Far-left rejects Steinmeier for German president http://www.politico.eu/article/far-left-rejects-frank-walter-steinmeier-for-german-president/

EurActiv, 24.10.16: EU may be going to the dogs, Steinmeier warns http://www.euractiv.com/section/global-europe/news/eu-may-be-going-to-the-dogs-steinmeier-warns/

ESO: Background information: German President Joachim Gauck won't run for a second term in office http://www.europeansources.info/record/german-president-joachim-gauck-wont-run-for-a-second-term-in-office/

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