Today, the Federal Assembly (Bundesversammlung) convenes. But the result is already clear. Frank Walter Steinmeier will be re-elected Federal President with the support of almost all parties represented in the Bundestag.
But why do we elect our head of state in Germany this way anyway? Other countries elect their head of state directly. In Germany, the difference is due to the more symbolic power that this office brings.
The Federal Assembly is made up of all members of the German Bundestag and just as many members who can be nominated by the federal states in accordance with the majority ratios in their state parliaments by the parties. These are increasingly local politicians and celebrities. The president of the German Bundestag chairs the assembly.
The assembly is convened every 5 years 30 days before the end of the term of the previous president.
The decision on who gets the office of the President of the Bundestag is usually decided before the election, as this appointment can be part of coalition negotiations. In principle, any person over the age of 40 with the right to vote in the Bundestag election can be elected to this office. In most cases, however, the parties represented in the Bundestag agree on a joint proposal beforehand.
(mda)