Pastor Joachim Gauck become president of Germany
BERLIN: Pastor Joachim Gauck has been elected as the president of Germany. He won 991 votes out of 1,232 at a special assembly of MPs.
He will replace Christian Wulff, who resigned last month due to financial irregularities.
Chancellor Angela Merkel had supported Wulff against Gauck when they ran against each other for the largely ceremonial role of president in 2010.
Although this time she has supported Mr.Gauck, observers say her hand was forced by the liberal Free Democrats, whose support she needs in the coalition government.
The appointment means that the political leader and the head of state of a united Germany both grew up in the old East Germany.
Gauck easily defeated his main rival Beate Klarsfeld. She won 126 votes. The new president and Mrs Merkel share a similar background.
A father of four, he is separated from his wife.
His partner since 2000, the journalist Daniela Schadt, will take on the ceremonial duties of First Lady.
