| Author (Person) | Frymark, Kamil |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Centre for Eastern Studies (OSW) |
| Series Title | OSW Analyses |
| Series Details | 08.02.17 |
| Publication Date | 08/02/2017 |
| Content Type | Journal | Series | Blog |
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Germany’s Federal Assembly elected Frank-Walter Steinmeier (SPD) as president on 12 February 2017. He replaced Joachim Gauck who is stepping down after his first term. Steinmeier’s election is a foregone conclusion given the deal struck by the groupings forming the grand coalition who have a majority in the Federal Assembly as along with support from the Green Party and the FDP. The German president is elected for a five-year term. The competences of the office are limited and are focused on representational functions. These increase when there is a parliamentary crisis as the president can order a new election to be held if a chancellor loses a vote of confidence. The president has no legislative initiative, and he can only veto laws in case the legislative procedure is formally violated or if a law is contrary to the constitution. The veto has been used eight times since 1949. The impact a German president has on political life mostly depends on their personality. |
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| Source Link | Link to Main Source https://www.osw.waw.pl/en/publikacje/analyses/2017-02-08/germany-steinmeiers-active-presidency |
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| Countries / Regions | Germany |
