Overview
- Germany’s presidency will be covered for one week over Easter, with Hendrik Wüst stepping in for Frank-Walter Steinmeier during his leave, according to the Federal President’s Office via dpa.
- Article 57 of the Basic Law names the Bundesrat president as first deputy, yet both current holder Andreas Bovenschulte and his vice Anke Rehlinger are unavailable, placing Wüst next in line.
- Wüst, North Rhine-Westphalia’s minister-president for about four and a half years, has served as the Bundesrat’s second vice president since November 1, 2025.
- As acting head of state, he could be called on to sign federal laws if any reach the presidency during the week.
- Coverage describes the substitution as routine under Germany’s system, with local outlets noting the unusual triple step in the Bundesrat’s deputy lineup that led to Wüst’s turn.