Blow to Merkel as Wulff resigns amid scandal

Angela Merkel’s personal choice for the ceremonial post of president resigned in a scandal over political favours, dealing a blow to the German chancellor in the midst of the eurozone debt crisis.

In a short statement, Christian Wulff accepted he had lost the trust of the German people, making it impossible to continue in a role that is meant to serve as a moral compass for the nation.

“For this reason it is no longer possible for me to exercise the office of president at home and abroad as required,” said Wulff.

Merkel said she regretted his departure and would seek talks with opposition parties to find a candidate to replace him.

Wulff’s departure raises questions about Merkel’s judgement because she forced his appointment through over a strong opposition candidate most Germans favoured.

Wulff’s reputation took a hammering when the Bild newspaper reported last year he had misled the parliament about a cheap €500,000 home loan from a businessman friend before becoming president.

Last month he admitted making a “grave mistake” by threatening the editor with “war” if he published the story. Since then, there has been a constant stream of revelations, leading the German media to mock him and even invent a new verb in his honour. “Wulffen” means to be evasive without telling a clear lie.