Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is sworn in
"Democracy is a form of government for the brave," said the new Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and he called on his audience to stand up for democracy. In his speech, he announced that he would be working for a united Europe.
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Frank-Walter Steinmeier is the 12th Federal President of the Federal Republic of Germany
Photo: Bundesregierung/Steins
The Federal President was sworn in at a joint session of the two houses of the German parliament, the Bundestag and the Bundesrat.
"Courage is the lifeblood of democracy – just as fear is the driving force of dictatorships and autocracies," said Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. That is why, he continued, democracy is a form of government for the brave. The new Federal President returned repeatedly to this idea throughout his speech.
Commitment to democracy and Europe
Worldwide political developments demonstrate all too clearly that democracy is "under serious attack by the forces of radicalism and terrorism". With a view to populism in Germany and in Europe, Frank-Walter Steinmeier warned, "We must not only talk about democracy. We must learn to stand up for it again."
Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier pledged to be impartial and unbiased as the office demands, but he also stressed, "I will be biased and partisan – I will stand up for democracy. And I will also stand up for Europe."
Farewell to Joachim Gauck
In his speech Frank-Walter Steinmeier called on his audience to defend democracy
Photo: Bundesregierung/Kugler
Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s predecessor Joachim Gauck gave him a few words of advice for his new office, "Trust in the people is a blessing for the country." The members of the Bundestag and Bundesrat gave Joachim Gauck a standing ovation as a farewell. Earlier, Bundestag President Norbert Lammert and acting Bundesrat President Malu Dreyer had spoken. Chancellor Angela Merkel also attended the swearing-in ceremony in the Plenary Chamber of the Bundestag.
On 12 February Frank-Walter Steinmeier was elected by a multi-party majority of the Federal Convention as the successor of Joachim Gauck. The former Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs took office on Sunday 19 March.
The oath taken by the Federal President: Article 56 of the German Basic Law or constitution stipulates, "On assuming office, the Federal President shall take the following oath before the assembled Members of the Bundestag and the Bundesrat:
‘I swear that I will dedicate my efforts to the well-being of the German people, promote their welfare, protect them from harm, uphold and defend the Basic Law and the laws of the Federation, perform my duties conscientiously, and do justice to all. So help me God.’"