Outgoing German president Frank-Walter Steinmeier also does an encore.

The 66-year-old exponent of the SPD Social Democrats was re-elected for a second term, which is not uncommon in Germany, while in Italy it only happened in two cases.

Steinmeier's re-election for another five years was announced by the President of the Bundestag, Bärbel Bas. His candidacy was widely supported by the delegates who form the Assembly set up ad hoc to vote for the head of state and he obtained 1,045 votes out of the 1,437 cast.

In his speech, Steinmeier also spoke of the very high-tension situation on the border between Ukraine and Russia. "We are in the midst of a risk of military conflict, of a war in Eastern Europe and it is Russia that is responsible," said the reconfirmed president.

Sergio Mattarella's congratulatory message arrived from Italy: "Your re-election as Federal President, for which I have the pleasure of offering you the most sincere congratulations of the Italian Republic and my affectionate wishes, is a reason for joy and satisfaction for me. profound ", reads the Quirinal's message." This - adds Mattarella - both for the friendship that binds us on a personal level and for the relevance that his re-election has for Germany and for all of Europe. high office represents an unequivocal testimony of the trust that the German people place in his person, a sure point of reference for unity in times marked by hardships and uncertainties ", concludes the President of the Republic.

(Unioneonline / lf)

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