German President Horst Koehler will run for a second five-year term next year - je 22.05.2008 12

German President Horst Koehler has announced he will run for a second and final five-year term next year. The 65 year old is Germany's ninth post-war president. He made the announcement +++LMREIN+++ here in Berlin a short while ago. Köhler is backed by the conservatives and the free market FDP. He was managing director of the International Monetary Fund before assuming office. The German presidency is a largely ceremonial post, but the President often sets a distinct moral tone and is a figure of respect for many Germans. +++LMRAUS+++ The Social Democrat's say they'll announce on Monday whether or not their nominee in 2004, University Rector Gesine Schwan, will again run for the presidency.