German President Christian Wulff resigns

Once applied for waiver of immunity
President Wulff resigns
German President Christian Wulff has announced his immediate resignation as head of state is known. He drew the conclusion from the request of the prosecutor's office in Hanover to waive his immunity. A week-long affair was preceded Wulff's decision.

Wulff said he had gladly accepted the election as federal president and functioned as the heart. But the country needs a president who can devote themselves fully his duties and will supported by a broad majority in the country. The necessary trust is now no longer given.

In view of his impending judicial inquiries, Wulff was optimistic that this relief would go out for him.

Investigation for receiving bribes and granting of advantages

The application of the Hanover public prosecutor is to lift the immunity of the Bundestag President Wulff received while in the meantime. This was announced by Parliamentary President Norbert Lammert (CDU). After Wulff is now but resigned to the vote in the Parliament of Germany has done about it. As Lammert said, has only a head of state immunity from prosecution as long as it is in office.

Background to the Wulff-affair

The statement of the prosecutor in the wording

The investigating authorities had notified the evening, there was an initial suspicion because of advantage-taking and granting of advantages against the former prime minister of Lower Saxony. The result was a comprehensive review of new documents and the evaluation of other media reports.

That against a sitting President is determined, it was not yet in the history of the Federal Republic of Germany. Wulff's lawyers announced that they first want to examine the documents at least two days.

Investigations against Groenewold

Determined in this context to the film fund manager David Groenewold. The state of Lower Saxony had provided a guarantee for the company, which was not used in practice. This surety is complex background to the prosecution, the application shall be submitted for waiver Wulff. For the former prime minister of Lower Saxony took several from Groenewold holiday invitations, so that an advantage-taking is possible with respect to the office.

The prosecutor explained in its Communication, the object of the investigation was aimed to investigate the facts in a formal procedure. Following the legislative mandate will the prosecution not only a burden, but also to determine the exonerating circumstances. Of course, also applies to the affirmation of the initial suspicion that the presumption of innocence.

Background
The friendship between Wulff and Groenewold
A very rich relationship: NDR After research was the politicians and the business probably is not only private friends. [Ndr]
Many allegations against Wulff

The President of Germany is under fire for weeks. Wulff is exposed to numerous allegations - from the use of a personal loan on favorable breaks free from entrepreneurs to government funding of advocacy events. This is especially Wulff's time as prime minister in Lower Saxony between 2003 and 2010. In addition, Wulff for his handling of the media criticism.