He was the candidate of the SPD, Greens, FDP and the Union: Frank-Walter Steinmeier. In the first ballot, he was elected Federal President for a second five-year term with 1,045 of the 1,437 votes cast. The 66-year-old is only the fifth Federal President to serve a second term. The congratulations on the expected re-election are not long in coming.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) sends his congratulations via Twitter. Steinmeier gave the citizens “orientation in difficult times and held the highest office in the state with passion,” he writes and adds. “I’m glad he will continue to do that.”
Also Finance Minister and FDP leader Christian Lindner tweets. Steinmeier is “a calculable figure and a voice for the best that makes up our democracy.” This is of great importance, especially in these challenging times in terms of domestic and foreign policy.
North Rhine-Westphalia Prime Minister Hendrik Wüst (CDU) congratulated the re-elected Federal President with the words: “Frank-Walter Steinmeier has carried out the highest state office in recent years with prudence, humanity and foresight,” said Wüst in a statement. Steinmeier is an experienced personality and enjoys a high reputation in Germany and internationally. “Especially in socially challenging times, our country needs a Federal President who stands up for the common good and lives the idea of freedom and democracy,” emphasized Wüst.
Thomas Kutschaty, chairman of the SPD parliamentary group in the state parliament of North Rhine-Westphalia and state leader of the social democrats, described the re-election as a historic day: “For the first time in the history of the Federal Republic of Germany, a Social Democrat was re-elected as Federal President,” declared Kuschaty. “I am convinced that he will exercise his second term in office just like his first: non-partisan, but never neutral when it comes to defending and strengthening democracy,” he said. At a time when true democrats are important again, Steinmeier’s clear stance is more important than ever and exactly the federal president “we need”.
Charlotte Knobloch, President of the Jewish Community in Munich and Upper Bavaria, welcomed Steinmeier’s re-election. In the next five years, the country will retain a head of state “who always keeps a cool head, who critically supports politics and who, in particular, gives society a firm footing even in turbulent times,” she said, emphasizing: “I stand by my view : There could not have been a better choice and the vast majority in today’s vote reflects that.” During the years of the Corona crisis, Steinmeier proved that he knew how to defend the values of democracy and campaigned for Jewish life in Germany. “The situation for the Jewish community in Germany is not easy,” said Knobloch. “In Frank-Walter Steinmeier, however, we have a Federal President who understands this unfortunate situation and is actively tackling it. I very much hope that this commitment will continue to bear fruit in the years to come,” said the former president of the Central Council of Jews in Germany.
Bavaria’s Prime Minister Markus Söder (CSU) congratulated Steinmeier on Twitter. “His sovereignty in these turbulent times is very beneficial,” he writes. The 66-year-old has always kept his office free of party politics. “Germany owes him a lot.”
Prime Minister Winfried Kretschmann (Greens) congratulated with the words: “In these times we need a Federal President who, with cleverly balanced words, embodies, mediates and defends our free democracy, our state institutions, our constitutional state and our nation.” The word of the Federal President should create reconciliation, provide support and give hope – Frank-Walter Steinmeier stands for this with complete conviction. “He has the courage to take a clear stance and the foresight to provide orientation in change.” Kretschmann said he wished Steinmeier the best of luck for his second term and the challenges ahead.
Berlin’s Governing Mayor Franziska Giffey (SPD) considers Steinmeier to be the right person to overcome the division in society. In recent years, he has shown how capable he is of “bringing this country together, promoting solidarity, openness, and cooperation,” Giffey told Phoenix television on the fringes of the Federal Assembly in Berlin. “That’s exactly what we need now. That’s why I’m very, very happy that Frank-Walter Steinmeier is standing for election here today and it was a great honor for me to have voted for him.”
the Schleswig-Holstein SPD leader Serpil Midyatli said: “With Frank-Walter Steinmeier we have confirmed the right man in office today. His level-headed and connecting manner brings him respect and recognition across party lines.” This is demonstrated by the large approval in the Federal Assembly. “As a moral authority and encourager, he is simply good for Germany. He also works tirelessly for solidarity, democracy, justice and human dignity worldwide.”
the Chairwoman of the German Bishops’ Conference, Bishop Georg Bätzing Steinmeier described as an “anchor” that holds society together. The Bishop of Limburg emphasized: “Your personal life testimony, which is characterized by trust, togetherness and understanding, is impressive and authentic against the obvious danger of polarization, division and distrust.” Bätzing thanked the Protestant Steinmeier for the trusting relationship he maintained with the Catholic Church even in turbulent times. “It’s good that Germany can know you for another term as Federal President.” The election is a strengthening and a mandate at the same time. “It will continue to be about containing social coldness and deeper divisions in society and instead conveying hope for a good time after the pandemic.” In view of the global political situation, people look to different countries with concern. “It is precisely here that your voice will be necessary to persuade opponents to engage in dialogue and build bridges,” said Bätzing.
Bremen Mayor Andreas Bovenschulte emphasized: “Your clear stance in turbulent times is good for our country and our democracy,” he said and wished Steinmeier all the best for his term of office.