Around the World: Germany

Presidential candidate

Germany's Social Democrats nominated their own candidate for the ceremonial office of president yesterday, ignoring warnings from some conservatives the move might doom Chancellor Angela Merkel's grand coalition.

SPD leader Kurt Beck said party executive boards unanimously agreed to put forth Gesine Schwan, 65, as their candidate for the high-profile office with only limited powers. The university president was narrowly beaten in 2004 by Horst Koehler, also 65.