Leading politicians in Germany reacted with relief to the news of German President Christian Wulff's resignation. Many spoke of an overdue move that had only come after the politician had already damaged the nation's highest office. But many also expressed their "respect" for Wulff's work.

Protesters hold shoes in protest against Christian Wulff at
a recent demonstration pressing for his resignation.
Photo: dapd.

The resignation of Germany's youngest-ever president, who at the same time had the shortest term in office, was received with relief throughout much of the country on Friday.

While opposition politicians spoke almost in the same tone about an overdue step and said the Office of the President has been damaged, coalition partners from the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the business-friendly Free Democratic Party (FDP) expressed their respect for Christian Wulff. Following a scandal over allegations he had accepted favors as a former state governor, Wulff resigned from his office as federal president shortly after 11 a.m.

Many commentators looked to the future and spoke about a new presidential candidate who can be supported by all parties. The FDP, above all, is sticking to its position that the ruling coalition should put forth its own candidate. Spiegel Online has collected reactions to Wulff's resignation from politicians and social leaders across Germany.

Sigmar Gabriel, head of the opposition, center-left Social Democratic Party, labels the step as overdue: "He prevented the office from being subjected to even more damage than it already has." The Social Democrat called for a "new beginning for Germany."