The President of the German Democratic Republic () was the head of state of the German Democratic Republic, commonly known as East Germany, from 1949 until 1960. The office was created by the Constitution of 1949 (Section V) with the President of the Republic was elected by the People's Chamber (Volkskammer) and the Chamber of States (Länderkammer). The office was mostly ceremonial in nature and, if necessary, the President of the People's Chamber acted as the President.
Wilhelm Pieck of the Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED) was the sole incumbent as President of the German Democratic Republic, elected on 11 October 1949 shortly after the Foundation of East Germany and re-elected in 1953 and in 1957. On 7 September 1960, shortly after the death of Pieck, the Constitution was amended which abolished the office of President. The Law concerning the formation of the State Council of 12 September 1960 introduced the State Council of East Germany, a collective head of state, instead of the presidency. The State Council was abolished during Die Wende of East Germany in 1989/90, with the President of the People's Chamber Sabine Bergmann-Pohl acted as interim head of state.
Election
The president of the Republic was elected for a term of four years by a joint session of the Volkskammer and the Länderkammer, which was convened and presided over by the President of the Volkskammer. Any citizen who was at least thirty-five years old was eligible for the post.
Impeachment
The president of the Republic might be recalled before the expiration of his term by a joint resolution of the Volkskammer and the Landerkammer. Such a resolution required a two-thirds majority of the statutory number of representatives.
Duties and competences
Largely a ceremonial position (similarly to the president of West Germany), the duties and competences of the president of the Republic as stipulated in articles 104–108 of the Constitution of 1949:
- Promulgating the laws of the Republic.
- Receiving the oath of office from members of the Council of Ministers upon their assumption of duties.
- Concluding and signing treaties with foreign countries on behalf of the Republic.
The president exercised the right of pardon on behalf of the Republic. In this function he was advised by a committee of the Volkskammer.
Incapacitation and vacancy
Whenever the president of the Republic was unable to attend to his office, he was represented by the president of the Volkskammer. If such incapacity is expected to continue for a protracted period, a substitute was to be appointed by (a specific) law.
Whenever the presidency was terminated prematurely, the same rule applied until the election of a new president.