Acting President of Germany

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The German constitution does not establish the position of Vice President, who assumes office or acts as the President when he or she dies, resigns, is impeached or otherwise cannot execute his or her duties. Instead other office holders serve as Acting President of the Federal Republic of Germany.

1 Weimar Era
2 Bundesrepublik
3 See also
4 References

[edit] Weimar Era

When the first President of German Reich, Friedrich Ebert, died in office on February 28, 1925, there was a need to call a special election for a new term, unlike in the United States, when the next person in line will serve as President until the end of the previous officeholder's term.

Two people were voted to enact the duties - but not incumb upon the office - of President during this transition period:

Chancellor Hans Luther (February 28, 1925 - March 12, 1925)
Supreme Court President Walter Simons (March 12, 1925 - May 12, 1925)

Simmons stepped down when Paul von Hindenburg was elected President.

[edit] Bundesrepublik

According to the Basic Law, when the President cannot execute his duties or when the office is vacant, the President of the Bundesrat becomes Acting President until the President can resume his duties or a successor has been elected^[1]. Karl Arnold, President of Bundesrat and Minister-President of North Rhine Westphalia served as an Acting President (from September 7 to September 12, 1949) before election of the first Federal President Theodor Heuss.