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Dossier: Germany elects a new president

May 18, 2009

Find out more about the election process.

https://p.dw.com/p/HsrW

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

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Bellevue Palace

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Germany's upcoming presidential vote is testing allegiances between old and potential new allies.
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Koehler and his wife stand in front of the Reichstag

The incumbent

Horst Koehler's criticism of political machinations in Berlin has made him a popular president.
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Gesine Schwan

Tough campaigning

Gesine Schwan is attempting for a second time to become Germany's first female head of state.
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Peter Sodann

Political stage

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