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The Büdenbender-Steinmeier couple at the re-election of the SPD politician as Federal President in 2022
Photo: Kay Nietfeld / dpa
Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has expressed regret that he had to complete his state visit to Indonesia without his wife.
At the same time, he also showed respect for her resumed professional activity as a judge.
The fact that he had to do without the support of Elke Büdenbender on a longer trip abroad, "I think that's a shame," said Steinmeier in the SWR interview of the week, which is to be broadcast on Saturday evening and is already available online.
The head of state emphasized that during his second term, his wife will now devote 50 percent of her working hours to the profession of judge and the other 50 percent to the duties of "First Lady" is a good solution.
"I think that's fine, I think it's good and I can only thank you for it," said Steinmeier.
He also revealed that he always packs his own bags.
The Federal President visited the famous Borobudur temple on Friday at the end of his state visit to Indonesia.
Previously he had been in Singapore.
atb/dpa