IMF man is new German president

Mr Koehler's election is a victory for the opposition

Horst Koehler, a former head of the International Monetary Fund, has been elected Germany's new president.

He defeated Gesine Schwan, a university professor who hoped to become Germany's first female head of state.

The president is not elected directly by voters, but by a special federal assembly convened every five years.

Although the role is mostly ceremonial, Mr Koehler, who was backed by the opposition, has made clear he will push for economic reforms in Germany.

Mr Koehler, 61, replaces Johannes Rau, who is stepping down after a single five-year term.

First round victory

His election is a victory for the conservative opposition Christian Democrats, who backed him and are calling for a similar programme of economic reform.

Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder's government had backed Ms Schwan.

Mr Koehler was chosen by a federal assembly made up of around 1,200 politicians and public figures, including a majority of conservatives and liberals.

HORST KOEHLER Was close ally of German Chancellor Helmut Kohl Helped finance ministry manage German monetary unification in 1990 1998: Became head of European Bank for Reconstruction and Development 2000: Made head of IMF

Until recently, he was largely unknown to the German public.

Mr Koehler said in his acceptance speech that he had spent the last six years abroad, and needed to spend time concentrating on Germany.

But he gave a hint that he intended to use his position to get things done, saying: "I can't hide my concerns about our economy. Germany has to fight for its position in the world in the 21st century."

Mr Rau used his farewell speech to urge the nation to stop complaining, saying pessimism was damaging the economy and posing a threat to political stability.