German Jewish community welcome election of country’s new president

The Central Council of Jews in Germany, the country’s umbrella Jewish organisation and EJC affiliate, welcomed the election of Frank-Walter Steinmeier as Germany’s next president, calling him among the “most upright and staunch advocates of our democratic values and our constitution,” as well as a strong supporter of Israel.

Steinmeier, a member of the Social Democratic Party who stepped down from his position as foreign minister under German Chancellor Angela Merkel of the Christian Democratic Union party at the end of January, won an absolute majority on Sunday, with 931 of the 1253 votes in the German Federal Assembly. The assembly convenes solely to elect the largely ceremonial post of president.

Steinmeier will assume the post in March.

Central Council President Josef Schuster praised the president-elect for “always [having] emphasised that Israel’s right to exist and its security are not up for debate.” Like his predecessor, outgoing President Joachim Gauck, Steinmeier “is a man of dialogue, who engages with his discussion partners with empathy and openness,” Schuster said.

Before the vote, Steinmeier said he would, if elected, work to counter a heightened sense of insecurity in today’s society.

related

Subscribe to the EJC newsletter

Get the EJC newsletter, including the latest statements and news from the European Jewish communities, direct to your inbox.

European Jewish Congress will use the information you provide on this form to contact you. We will treat your information with respect and will not share it with others. By clicking Subscribe, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with these terms.

browse by community