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Christian Lindner received his certificate of appointment as Federal Minister of Finance a few weeks ago
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MARTIN DIVISEK / EPA
The FDP has spoken out in favor of a second term in office for Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
The FDP federal chairman Christian Lindner announced on Wednesday in Berlin that the FDP parliamentary groups in the federal and state governments had pleaded to support Steinmeier in his candidacy for a second term.
»Mr. Steinmeier is an outstanding personality and in times of societal polarization has made an outstanding contribution to the cohesion in our country.
We see with sympathy and great respect that he is ready for the office a second time, «explained Lindner.
Dürr: Steinmeier "ensured continuity" in the corona crisis
The chairman of the FDP parliamentary group, Christian Dürr, said that especially in times of crisis, a federal president should have a reconciling effect and integrate.
»Frank-Walter Steinmeier sought a dialogue with citizens during the corona pandemic.
He has ensured continuity and I am sure that he will reliably guide the country through this crisis in his second term as well. "
Steinmeier announced in May of this year that he would run again as head of state.
The announcement by the long-time SPD politician met with great approval from the SPD.
The SPD chairmen Saskia Esken and Norbert Walter-Borjans declared at the time that they were delighted with the move.
Steinmeier has proven in four years as Federal President that he fulfills the highest office in the state with great moral authority.
The election in the Federal Assembly will take place on February 13th, the traffic light parties SPD, Greens and FDP have a majority there.
Lindner had already signaled in November that the FDP would support Steinmeier.
His Vice Wolfgang Kubicki even pleaded for a second term in office for Steinmeier in 2019.
How the Greens position themselves, whether they support Steinmeier or put up their own candidate, was initially unclear.
svs / dpa