German President Wulff to resign

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Who would the parties most likely run if he really resigns ?

SPD/Greens: ?
CDU/FDP: Van der Leyen ?

I've heard Gauck's name suggested again.

Why not? We all knew Gauck couldn't win a year ago, but he got an impressive support anyway.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Wulff should retire. He has lost the credibility that is necessary to be a moral authority.

Did Wulff have a "moral authority" in first place? After all, he was just an unimpressive party loyalist picked to fill a seat, suddenly vacated by Koehler.

"Moral authority" was always important for German presidency because, frankly, there is nothing else about the office. Yet Wulff is a total joke when compared to such figures as Heuss, Heinemann, Weizsacker or Rau.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Wulff should retire. He has lost the credibility that is necessary to be a moral authority.

Did Wulff have a "moral authority" in first place? After all, he was just an unimpressive party loyalist picked to fill a seat, suddenly vacated by Koehler.

"Moral authority" was always important for German presidency because, frankly, there is nothing else about the office. Yet Wulff is a total joke when compared to such figures as Heuss, Heinemann, Weizsacker or Rau.

But he holds up well compared to Heinrich Lübke and Karl Carstens!

You know, it's just too bad the internet did not exist when Lübke was President

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Rumours are Wulff is going to announce his resignation at 11.00 AM.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Rumours are Wulff is going to announce his resignation at 11.00 AM.

And now, I will accept my accolades.

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I must say that, as a stalwart supporter of the parliamentary form of government, I always liked model of the German presidency. Largely ceremonial and powerless, but, unlike proverbal British Queen, many of the Presidents commanded a considerable deal of, let's say, moral authority and used the office to raise issues (Heuss, Heinemann, von Weizsäcker, Rau comes to the mind). Of course there were idiots or failures, like Lübke or, now, Wulff, but idiots and failures can occupy every position, with real power or not. Certainly, someone like Gauck would fit well into Heuss/Heinemann/von Weizsäcker/Rau traditions.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

The CDU has just said that the party will back Gauck for President.

Already? I read just a few minutes ago they said they won't, despite FDP's earlier declaration.

Yes, we Gauck!

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]