German President Resigns

In a surprise move that baffled many of his colleagues, German president Horst Koehler said today he is resigning his largely ceremonial post, effective immediately. The moves come a week after Koehler was quoted in a radio interview expressing support for sending German troops to Afghanistan, saying it may be necessary “to protect our interests…for example free trade routes.” The comment drew criticism from many German politicians, an unwelcome flap for Chancellor Angela Merkel’s shaky government coalition. Koehler stated that “it was an honor for me to serve Germany as president.”