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Dossier: Germany elects a new president

May 18, 2009

Find out more about the election process.

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Germany's Federal Assembly elects the country's next president on May 23. Read about the process and the candidates.

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Reports & Analysis

People & Politics # Discreet Campaigning - The Fight to Be Germany's Next President # 15.05.2009

Traditionally, Germany's president is elected without any official campaigning. However, behind the scenes there's a battle going on to win the votes of the Federal Assembly's 1224 members. The race for Germany's highest public office will likely end up being between two candidates: current president Horst Köhler, the choice of the Christian Democrats; and political science professor Gesine Schwan, a Social Democrat. The Left Party's candidate, Peter Sodann, is thought to stand little chance of being elected.
May 15, 200904:50 min

Dossier: Germany's Political System

Who makes the laws in Germany and what does the chancellor do? Here's more on German politics.
February 12, 2009

Election standoff

Germany's upcoming presidential vote is testing allegiances between old and potential new allies.
May 19, 2009

The incumbent

Horst Koehler's criticism of political machinations in Berlin has made him a popular president.
May 18, 2009

Tough campaigning

Gesine Schwan is attempting for a second time to become Germany's first female head of state.
May 18, 2009

Political stage

Some actors have had notable second careers in politics, but Peter Sodann's chances are slim.
May 18, 2009
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