Germany's president quits in scandal over alleged favours, creating new problem for Merkel The USA Times

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Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Germany's president quits in scandal over alleged favours, creating new problem for Merkel

BERLIN - German President Christian Wulff has announced his resignation in a scandal over favours he allegedly received before becoming head of state - creating a new problem for Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Wulff announced his immediate resignation on Friday, a day after the slow-burning affair escalated dramatically with a request by prosecutors for Parliament to lift his immunity from prosecution.

Wulff is stepping down after less than two years in the job. He was Merkel's candidate for the presidency in 2010.

His resignation is potentially awkward for her - providing a major domestic distraction as she grapples with the eurozone debt crisis. A successor must be elected by a special parliamentary assembly within 30 days.