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German lawmakers elected Mr Steinmeier as president, which is largely a ceremonial head, when he received 931 of the 1,260 votes. Mr Steinmeier, who was Germany’s former foreign minister, criticised Donald Trump during the US election campaign. The politician criticised those people who “make politics with fear” and he described Mr Trump as a “hate preacher”.

GETTY The new president of Germany Steinmeier has anti-Trump views

GETTY Steinmeier has been elected as president of Germany - largely a ceremonial role

As the foundations are shaking elsewhere, we have to prop up those foundations even more strongly Steinmeier

In his acceptance speech, Mr Steinmeier, 61, said that Germany should be an “anchor of hope”. He said: “As the foundations are shaking elsewhere, we have to prop up those foundations even more strongly.” The German newspaper, Berliner Morgenpost, described Mr Steinmeier as the “anti-Trump president”.

First 100 days of President Trump Mon, June 12, 2017 President Donald Trump is making a significant impact on global politics during his first term. Play slideshow REUTERS 1 of 23 President Donald Trump arrives at Newark International airport

GETTY Steinmeier is an ally of chancellor Merkel

Although the president does not have much executive power, he is considered an important moral authority. He has served twice as foreign minister, from 2005 to 2009 and again from 2013 until this year Mrs Merkel will be seeking a fourth term as chancellor in the parliamentary elections in September. Read more about the German elections here.

GETTY Steinmeier has anti Trump views

Mr Steinmeier has said that he will focus on visiting “left behind” communities around Germany in the coming weeks. Mr Steinmeier succeeds Joachim Gauck, a 77-year-old former pastor and East German pro-democracy activist who did not seek a second five-year term because of his age.