Koehler resigns after linking German military deployments to economic interests

GERMAN President Horst Koehler yesterday resigned in a surprise move after reportedly linking military deployments abroad with the country’s economic interests – creating a new headache for Chancellor Angela Merkel.

The resignation, effective immediately, came only a year into Koehler’s second term as the largely ceremonial head of state. Merkel had installed the former International Monetary Fund boss as president in 2004.

The current president of parliament’s upper house – Bremen Mayor Jens Boehrnsen, a member of the opposition Social Democrats – will take over presidential duties temporarily, largely signing legislation into law.