German President Resigns

The German President, Horst Koehler resigned Monday. This is the first time this has ever happened in German history. He has resigned over criticisms he has recieved over a statement he made on May 22nd regarding troops. He was reported to have said, "in emergencies, military intervention is necessary to uphold our interests, like for example free trade routes, for example to prevent regional instabilities which could have a negative impact on our chances in terms of trade, jobs and income." Later he corrected his statement saying he meant to protect shipping routes from piracy along the Gulf of Aden. Many took his statement to be in reference to Germany's role in Afghanistan, claiming that the statement put the war in economic terms that had to do with Germany's self-interest, not because of a NATO mission they are involved in, which uses 4,500 German troops. Some believe his statement means he'll use the military to his like as long as it aligned with economic reasons, which could be unconstitutional. The head of the Bundersrat, or upper house of parliament will take over the Presidents duties, Jens Boerhrnsen will be taking over these duties until an electoral college chooses a new president by June 30th. The new president will be chosen by the Federal Convention as long as there is an absolute majority.

Submitted By: Emily Schaub