Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Marko Martin, oration, Social Democratic Party of Germany, Bellevue Palace from

Frank-Walter Steinmeier Elected Eleventh President of Germany

Steinmeier, a seasoned politician from the Social Democratic Party (SPD), will be sworn in as Germany's new president on March 19, 2017.

Steinmeier's victory marks a turning point in German politics, as he is the first SPD candidate to be elected president in over 50 years.

Frank-Walter Steinmeier was elected as Germany's 11th president on Sunday, February 12, after securing 931 out of 1,260 possible votes from the Federal Assembly, a body composed of members of the Bundestag (parliament) and an equal number of state representatives.

Steinmeier, a 61-year-old former foreign minister and vice chancellor, is a member of the center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD). He has pledged to be a "president of all Germans" and to represent the country's diverse interests.

In his acceptance speech, Steinmeier said that he wanted to be a "president who brings people together" and to "strengthen our democracy." He also called for greater European cooperation and unity.

Steinmeier's election comes at a time of political uncertainty in Germany. The country is facing a number of challenges, including the rise of populism, the refugee crisis, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Steinmeier is expected to play a key role in helping Germany navigate these challenges.

Steinmeier was born in Detmold, Germany, in 1956. He studied law at the University of Göttingen and worked as a lawyer before entering politics. He was elected to the Bundestag in 1998 and served as chief of staff to former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder from 1999 to 2005.

After Schröder's resignation, Steinmeier served as foreign minister from 2005 to 2009 and as vice chancellor from 2007 to 2009. He was the SPD's candidate for chancellor in the 2009 federal election, but he lost to Angela Merkel.

Steinmeier has been praised for his diplomatic skills and his ability to build consensus. He is also known for his commitment to social justice and his work on behalf of human rights.

Steinmeier's election is a significant event in German politics. He is the first SPD candidate to be elected president in over 50 years, and his victory is seen as a sign of the party's resurgence. Steinmeier is expected to play a key role in helping Germany navigate the challenges it faces in the years to come.