President of Germany Roman Herzog, Johannes Rau, Christian Wulff, Joachim Gauck and Frank-Walter Steinmeier (as yet) have signed and promulgated all bills during their respective terms. The president represents Germany in the world (Art. 59 Basic Law), undertakes foreign visits and receives foreign dignitaries. They also conclude treaties with foreign nations (which do not come into effect until affirmed by the Bundestag), accredit German diplomats and receive the letters of accreditation of foreign diplomats. According to Article 60 (2) of the German Constitution, the president has the power to pardon. This means the president "has the authority to revoke or commute penal or
President of East Germany Republic might be recalled before the expiration of his term by a joint resolution of the "Volkskammer" and the "Landerkammer". Such a resolution required a two-thirds majority of the statutory number of representatives. Largely a ceremonial position (similarly to the President of West Germany), the duties and competences of the President of the Republic as stipulated in articles 104–108 of the Constitution of 1949: To become effective, all orders and decrees issued by the President of the Republic needed to be countersigned by the Chairman of the Council of Ministers or the competent Minister. The President exercised the right of