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Federal President Steinmeier: Hope for the second term
Photo: Dominik Butzmann / DER SPIEGEL
Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is calm about the unclear outcome of his application for a second term.
"Of course that's a risk," Steinmeier told SPIEGEL.
“But that's part of democracy.
More openness does not harm the office of Federal President. «With this, Steinmeier signals that he wants to hold on to his application even in the event of an opposing candidate and, if necessary, to go into a controversial vote.
The Federal President announced last week that he would be available for a second term.
It is still unclear whether the Union and the Greens will support him or make their own proposal.
The next Federal President will be elected by the Federal Assembly in February 2022.
Steinmeier names the fight against climate change and its consequences for social cohesion as a possible guiding principle for a second term of office.
Germany is facing a "huge transformation process," says the Federal President.
"In addition to ecological issues, we have to focus on social balance." To do this, he brings along "curiosity, enthusiasm and experience".
Steinmeier also names combating the consequences of the corona pandemic as a project for a possible second term.
An "emotional void" developed during the corona crisis.
"I want to help overcome this emptiness, bring people back together and heal wounds," says Steinmeier.
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