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 pardon on behalf of the Republic. In this function he was advised by a committee of the "Volkskammer". Whenever the President of the Republic is unable to attend to his office, he is represented by the President of the "Volkskammer". If such incapacity is expected to continue for a protracted period, a substitute will be appointed by (a specific) law. Whenever the presidency is terminated prematurely, the same rule applies until the election of a new President. President Pieck was already at an advanced age when elected and did not play a major role in the dominant state party, SED