German Politics: Can Germany’s new President be an ‘anchor of hope’ in the political uncertainty that challenges us today?
In his acceptance speech Sunday, Steinmeier spoke of Germany’s responsibility to fight for stability around the world, having overcome its own dark history of wars and totalitarianism (CS Monitor, 13.2.17).
Frank-Walter Steinmeier is quoted in today’s FT as saying: ‘Isn’t it wonderful that this country has become an anchor of hope for many people in this world?’ He went on to say that Germany has shown how things could get better: ‘how after war can come peace, and after separation, reconciliation’ (FT 13.2.17).
Steinmeier, is a former foreign minister and a top SPD (Social Democrats) figure. The SPD are gaining more prominence since former European Parliament president, Martin Schulz, was appointed it’s leader. Schulz has boosted the party’s popularity and could possibly challenge Angela Merkel as Chancellor as she seeks a fourth term after the parliamentary elections in November. More can be found on Martin Schulz here:
http://www.makemeaware.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=1117&action=edit
Why haven’t we heard about this, you may ask? Everyone is so obsessed with November’s elections. What does the President do, exactly?
It’s a largely ceremonial role with little executive power. It is nonetheless an influential position, as he or she is seen as a moral authority and figurehead of sorts for the country. It also bears the responsibility of hosting visiting dignitaries.
Steinmeier will be the 12th president in a postwar federal republic. He now faces the challenge of a polarised Germany, particularly with the rise of the xenophobic right wing party Alternative fur Deutschland (AfD) who have garnered more votes since the refugee crisis and Angela Merkel’s open door policy.
The new President has wide appeal and cross party support. He was proposed back in October last year by former SPD leader Singmar Gabriel, after Merkel’s favourite, the conservative Norbert Lammert, did not garner enough backing to be considered for the role.
Steinmeier will officially step into the office on March 17, when Gauck’s term expires.
How is he elected?
The Presidential vote takes place at combined assembly of the Bundestag, the Lower House of Parliament, and the Bundesrat, the Upper House. The parliamentary assembly is made up of 1,260 MPs and representatives of Germany’s 16 states. Of the representatives in the Bundestag, there are 630 members with an equal number of from each of Germany’s 16 regions/federal states.
Steinmeier Background
He ran against Merkel in 2009 as his party’s candidate for Chancellor but lost. He is 61: the current President is 77.
As foreign minister, Steinmeier played a pivotal role in the Iran Nuclear Deal. He was also one of the key mediators in the Ukraine conflict. Germany continue to be one of the main supporters for sanctions against Russia, despite Trump’s suggestion that he may have room for negotiation on these. Steinmeier is on good terms with Merkel although he has been a little softer on the sanctions against Russia. He has constantly urged continued “dialogue” with Russia in the hopes of defusing the tensions (Politico, 14.11.16). Steinmeier also worked on negotiations to broker a ceasefire in Syria, often acting as a ‘conduit between Russia and America’ (Politico), although these efforts were largely unsuccessful.
What are his views on Trump?
‘He has called the president-elect a hate preacher. After Trump’s victory, Steinmeier refused to congratulate him, as is diplomatic custom, especially between longtime allies like the US and Germany. “I don’t want to sugarcoat anything,” Steinmeier said after the election. “Nothing is going to get easier and much will be harder.”’ (Politico).
Who is his predecessor and when does Steinmeier take over?
Joachim Gauck, a 77 year old former pastor, will be retiring from politics at the end of his five year presidential tenure. He announced his wish to stand down last June, having served one term. Gauck, like Merkel, is from former East Germany and was very active in the civil rights movement in his youth.
Conclusion
I read in the FT Weekend’s magazine section an article by Simon Kuper (FT Columnist of the Year). It was an interesting article that talked about a famous German lawyer, Heinrich Senfft, who died recently. Senfft defended senior East German regime figures after the wall fell; even though he disliked communism, Kuper said that he liked ‘West German anti-communists persecuting communists’ even less. He had many other successful cases in his past and many would drop their case when they found out that he was representing the other side. Senfft, in his later years, became a Londoner and was angered by today’s new wave of ‘right wing populism’. Why do I mention him? Kuper thinks that Germany has something to teach us all. They have never, he says, placed ‘the law above the so-called will of the people’. They have ensured that ‘poorer Germans didn’t fall too far, as had happened in the Weimar Republic’; and, largely, ‘would leave journalists alone. Furthermore, in their campaigns, they don’t ‘paint political rivals as enemies’.
Sources:
Guardian article on Steinmeier’s victory:
Some quotes from Steinmeier’s speech on Sunday taken from:
FT Monday 13th February 2017, confirming Steinmeier’s victory.
https://www.ft.com/content/95a4d462-f119-11e6-8758-6876151821a6
FT article from November 2016 when former SPD leader, Singmar Gabriel, proposed Steinmeier as President, countering Angela Merkel’s Conservative proposal, Norbert Lammert.
https://www.ft.com/content/7d5bc706-aa4e-11e6-809d-c9f98a0cf216
Politico background on Steinmeier:
Simon Kuper, Weekend FT article:
https://www.ft.com/content/18d40f70-ed8b-11e6-ba01-119a44939bb6
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Comment On German Politics: Can Germany’s new President be an ‘anchor of hope’ in the political uncertainty that challenges us today?
You cast a wide net. I like this one too