Man who holds the trump card
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, whose role rarely goes beyond ribbon-cutting, has become the man of the hour in the current political crisis, holding the key to a possible compromise or snap elections.
The deadlock, unprecedented in Germany’s post-war era, has thrust the veteran official back into the spotlight, where analysts say his diplomatic finesse and deep knowledge of the political landscape will be crucial.
One of Germany’s most popular and trusted politicians, Steinmeier, 61, has served as head of state, a largely ceremonial position, since March after extended stints as foreign minister and chief of staff for former chancellor Gerhard Schroeder.
He is also a Social Democrat, which could give him key leverage to break the current stalemate.
“Never in the history of the federal republic was the diplomatic skill of the president so crucial than it will be in the coming days and weeks,” news magazine wrote.
The country’s Basic Law, drawn up by the Second World War victors to avert the political chaos that led to the rise of the Nazis, gives the president broad powers to lead the country out of such an impasse.
Steinmeier must now try to cajole party leaders to either agree on a coalition or accept a minority government.
In a sternly worded statement after crisis talks with Merkel on Monday, he made it clear that he was not in favour of the third option — new elections.
Underlining the duty of lawmakers to their voters, Steinmeier noted: “If the political powers in Europe’s largest and strongest economy are unable to come together in the national interest, there will be disbelief and concern, both at home and abroad.”
Born January 5, 1956 in a small town in Lower Saxony, Steinmeier was known as a young man on the football field as an efficient “allrounder” who could play any position with ease and work well within a team.