German parties back Joachim Gauck as president # 19.02.2012 22 Uhr # Journal (englisch) # nicht im Mediacenter

Party leaders here in Germany have AGREED on a unity candidate to be the country's next president. Within the past hour, chancellor Angela Merkel confirmed that the former East German civil rights activist Joachim Gauck would stand for the ceremonial post. With the support of all but one of Germany's main political parties - he is all but certain to be elected by a special assembly next month.