Current content on the activities of the Federal President

On the death of His Holiness Pope Francis

Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has extended condolences to the Dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, on the death of His Holiness Pope Francis.

Federal President Steinmeier (left) and Elke Büdenbender (right) are having a conversation with Pope Francis (center)

Trip to Armenia and Azerbaijan

Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Elke Büdenbender will visit the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan from 30 March to 2 April.

Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Elke Büdenbender stand next to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev and his wife Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva at the welcome with military honors

Free Trade instead of Protectionism

On 28 March, Federal President Steinmeier attended the 102nd Liebesmahl of the German Asia‑Pacific Business Association, Federal President Steinmeier highlighted the significance of dependable trade relations between Europe and Asia and advocated for a policy of future-oriented partnerships.

Federal President Steinmeier delivers a speech during the 102nd Liebesmahl of the German Asia‑Pacific Business Association at the Hamburg Town Hall

Trip to Latin America

Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Elke Büdenbender visited Uruguay, Paraguay and Chile from 28 February to 7 March.

Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is welcomed with military honours by Gabriel Boric, President of the Republic of Chile

News

70^th anniversary of Germany’s NATO membership

format: Report

28 April 2025

"Without these naturalisations, our country would be poorer in many respects"

format: Speech

Cologne, , 11 April 2025

Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier presents naturalization certificates to new German citizens, together with Cologne's Lord Mayor Henriette Reker

"Komitas a trailblazer in German-Armenian relations"

format: Speech

Yerevan/Armenia, , 31 March 2025

Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier

"Shining examples who show us how important it is to stand up to hatred and intolerance"

format: Speech

Santiago de Chile, , 4 March 2025

Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier awards the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany to Ana María Wahrenberg

Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier awards the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany to Rudi Haymann

"You can count on Germany"

format: Speech

24 February 2025

Bundespräsident Steinmeier sitzt an einem Tisch, vor ihm ein großer Bildschirm mit einer Videokonferenz

"Germany stands firmly by Ukraine’s side"

format: Speech

Schloss Bellevue, , 24 February 2025

Federal President Steinmeier during a recording of a statement expressing solidarity with the Ukrainian people on the Third anniversary of Russia's attack on Ukraine

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The Federal President

More about Frank-Walter Steinmeier More about Elke Büdenbender

Bundespräsident Frank-Walter Steinmeier und Elke Büdenbender begrüßen die Gäste des Bürgerfestes (Archivbild)

Role and Functions

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Head of State

The Basic Law, Germany’s constitution, devotes an entire chapter to the Federal President. Besides the tasks and powers outlined in this section, others are described elsewhere in the constitution or in other laws, and still more have simply become established over time.

Blick in den Bundestag bei der Bundesversammlung (Archiv)

Honours and decorations

Honouring individuals who have rendered distinguished services to the nation has traditionally been one of the head of state's duties. In the Federal Republic of Germany, as in nearly all countries in the world, honours and decorations are awarded as a way of paying public tribute to an outstanding individual.