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Koehler resignation

June 4, 2010

Horst Koehler's resignation as German president on May 31 caught Germany by surprise, triggering the search for a successor. The premier of the state of Lower Saxony, Christian Wulff, is likely to win.

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Koehler in Afghanistan
Koehler came under fire for comments on the German mission in AfghanistanImage: AP

Horst Koehler unexpectedly resigned as German president on May 31, citing a lack of respect for his position after he was sharply criticized for comments on Germany's mission in Afghanistan. The governing coalition has since nominated Christian Wulff, premier of the state of Lower Saxony, to be head of state. The opposition's candidate is Joachim Gauck, the former director of the Stasi archives. The new president will be elected on June 30.

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