New Federal President Steinmeier

61-year-old ex-Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier was elected President of the Federal Republic of Germany on Sunday. In the first round of the campaign he collected 931 votes at the Federal Assembly. The president-elect will officially replace incumbent 77-year-old President Joachim Gauck whose term of office expires on March 18. Socialist Democrat Steinmeier was nominated by the ruling coalition of the SDPG, Christian Democratic Union, and Christian Social Union.

COMMENTARY

Volodymyr OHRYZKO, ex-Foreign Minister of Ukraine:

“Steinmeier is versed in the problem of Russia, he is fully aware of what Russia is doing in the east of Ukraine and what it did in Crimea. The man is well informed and I don’t think that he will change his stand in the matter. Not after his trip to the east of Ukraine where he saw many things with his own eyes. After that he was less willing to pressure Ukraine into holding elections come what may. Therefore, I don’t expect any serious changes in Germany’s position.

“Also, the Federal President is not in a position to actively influence the foreign political line. As a matter of fact, Steinmeier made a statement to the effect that he is not going to make any changes there. Such changes are the government’s prerogative. Steinmeier is a veteran cabinet member, so he knows the limits of federal presidential powers. Political culture is observed in Germany, so there is no reason to expect him to start telling the government what to do in terms of foreign policy.

“By maintaining a normal dialog, supplying him with truthful data concerning the situation in the east of Ukraine, we could stand a fair chance of helping Germany’s political establishment form the correct approach to what is happening in the east of Ukraine and in Crimea.

“One has to bear in mind that the post of President of the FRG is an honorable mission, so Steinmeier will continue operating on a high political level. Moreover, in certain countries in the West diplomats have been traditionally elected as presidents. Thomas Klestil of Austria is a graphic example (God rest his soul). He was twice elected head of state. A diplomat holding this post will add to Germany’s reputation as a democracy.”