The German presidential elections

Christian Wulff was elected as the new President of the Federal Republic of Germany on 30 June 2010.

The President of the Federal Republic of Germany holds office for a term of five years and may be re-elected once.

Christian Wulff nach seiner Wahl zum Bundespräsidenten Enlarge image (© picture alliance/ dpa) The President is head of state, and is thus for protocol purposes the top-ranking official in Germany. The President’s classic functions as head of state include representing Germany at home and abroad, representing Germany in matters of international law, concluding treaties with other countries, as well as accrediting German diplomats and receiving foreign diplomatic envoys. He appoints the members of the government, judges and top civil servants. He proposes a candidate for election as Federal Chancellor (head of government) by the German Bundestag (parliament). He dismisses the government and may dissolve parliament before the end of its term under exceptional circumstances. The Federal President signs laws passed by parliament after reviewing their constitutionality. The Federal President is not involved in party politics and must retain his neutrality. During his term of office his party membership is suspended. He must not be a member of any federal or state government or legislature, and may not engage in any other trade or profession. German Basic Law Enlarge image (© Picture- / Alliance)

The Federal President is elected by the Federal Convention, a body that comprises 1244 members, half of whom are members of the German Bundestag (national parliament) and the other half of whom are elected by the state parliaments on the basis of proportional representation. Electing the Federal President is the sole task of the Federal Convention.

Upon assuming office, the Federal President must swear the following oath, which is enshrined in the Basic Law: “I swear that I will dedicate my efforts to the well-being of the German people, promote their welfare, protect them from harm, uphold and defend the Basic Law and the laws of the Federation, perform my duties conscientiously, and do justice to all. So help me God.” (Article 56)