SPIEGEL ONLINE
- March 12, 2012
Following the personal favors scandal that led to his resignation, disgraced former German President Christian Wulff has moved into a monastery to recover from the strain and undergo health checks, according to a media report. He remains under fire for accepting a sizeable presidential pension. more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- February 21, 2012
Last week, Germany lost a president. Over the weekend, the country almost lost its government as well. The choice to nominate Joachim Gauck as the country's next head of state exposed significant differences within Chancellor Merkel's governing coalition and left behind deep scars in Berlin. By Charles Hawley more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- February 20, 2012
In accepting the opposition's candidate for the next German president, Angela Merkel has suffered the bitterest defeat of her chancellorship. Her junior coalition partner, the FDP, teamed up with the two main opposition parties to push through their choice. The ignominious defeat could mark a turning point for the German chancellor. A Commentary by Christoph Schwennicke more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- February 20, 2012
Joachim Gauck could help repair the damage that Christian Wulff did to the German presidency. The country's next head of state is a modest man, but also a fearless democrat, and is unlikely to shy away from controversy. The former East German civil rights activist is known to speak his mind. And he fights for what he believes in. By Florian Gathmann more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- February 20, 2012
Germany's political establishment has agreed on a successor to Christian Wulff, who resigned as president on Friday. Joachim Gauck, a respected former East German civil-rights activist, is set to be Germany's next head of state. But his nomination came only after a fierce conflict within Merkel's coalition government. more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- February 17, 2012
Leading politicians in Germany reacted with relief to the news of German President Christian Wulff's resignation. Many spoke of an overdue move that had only come after the politician had already damaged the nation's highest office. But many also expressed their "respect" for Wulff's work. more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- February 17, 2012
Germany's president has resigned. It was the correct decision, because he failed as a role model. Instead of answering honestly the allegations against him, he used every trick in the book to hide things. The next president will have to be far better, and Chancellor Merkel will have no choice but to find a joint candidate with the opposition. A Commentary By Roland Nelles more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- February 17, 2012
Following the announcement by prosecutors that they would seek to lift his immunity, German President Christian Wulff announced Friday morning he would resign as the country's head of state. Chancellor Angela Merkel has expressed her deep regret and said she would seek out a joint candidate supported by the major parties. more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- February 17, 2012
For the first time in German history, prosecutors have requested the lifting of the immunity of the country's president. Investigators in the state of Lower Saxony confirmed Thursday night they are probing President Christian Wulff on suspicions that he accepted a gift as governor of the state. It may prove difficult for Wulff to remain in office. An Analysis By Philipp Wittrock more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- February 14, 2012
Christian Wulff has demeaned himself and the office of head of state with his hunger for petty discounts, airline upgrades and free vacations with the rich and famous. Taken together, his transgressions reveal a man who isn't fit to be president. He should step down. A Commentary By Dirk Kurbjuweit more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- February 14, 2012
The list of dubious dealings involving scandal-plagued German President Christian Wulff just keeps getting longer. But public prosecutors are hampered from investigating the allegations because of Wulff's immunity as head of state. Now they are considering the nuclear option: asking parliament to revoke his protection. By SPIEGEL Staff
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