Dundorf

[Drax]

TLD OPPOSES CHANGE IN PRESIDENTIAL SELECTION METHOD
 
ODERVELD - LEUCHTFEUER
 
Dunburg, October 27, 5684: ODERVELD – LEUCHTFEUER asked the Team Liberaldemokraten (TLD) Party Leader, Former Deputy Chancellor Gunther Krancke what TLD thought of the proposal to again elect Presidents by popular vote in a general election, and he responded:
 

TLD is planning to oppose the Social Democrat’s (DSDP) proposal as we understand it. There are modifications to the suggested change which would lessen our concerns. 
 
But first, we are not unmindful that the Federal President is the head of state and often represents the Bundesrepublik in international gatherings where it is important to have a respected citizen and not a buffoon attend on our behalf.  But most duties are ceremonial except the statutory function of facilitating the formation of a Federal Cabinet after Bundestag elections.
 
We would note even this statutory function is subject to override by the Constitutional authority of the Bundestag to move past the Presidential efforts and select whatever Federal Cabinet it chooses should it wish to do so.
 
With these limited functions of the office of Federal President in mind, we do not feel the expense of a separate general election is warranted.  We are aware of the DSDP argument for greater participatory democracy.
 
Two modifications to the idea as we understand it might well change the TLD position.
 
 First, making the Federal Presidential election simultaneous with Bundestag elections again and, second eliminating the run off second separate national election. Frankly though, we prefer the current system with partisan competition and negotiation to form the Federal Cabinet every four years and deliberation looking for an appropriate representative of the Bundesrepublik every five years.

TLD Party Leader Krancke