9P9ue

Article 56
[Oath of offi ce]
On assuming his offi ce, the Federal President shall take the
following oath before the assembled Members of the Bundestag
and the Bundesrat: “I swear that I will dedicate my
efforts to the well-being of the German people, promote their
welfare, protect them from harm, uphold and defend the Basic
Law and the laws of the Federation, perform my duties
conscientiously, and do justice to all. So help me God.” The
oath may also be taken without religious affi rmation.
Article 57
[Substitution]
If the Federal President is unable to perform his duties, or
if his offi ce falls prematurely vacant, the President of the
Bundesrat shall exercise his powers.
Article 58
[Countersignature]
Orders and directions of the Federal President shall require
for their validity the countersignature of the Federal Chancellor
or of the competent Federal Minister. This provision
shall not apply to the appointment or dismissal of the Federal
Chancellor, the dissolution of the Bundestag under Article
63, or a request made under paragraph (3) of Article 69.
Article 59
[Representation of the Federation for the purposes
of international law]
(1) The Federal President shall represent the Federation for the
purposes of international law. He shall conclude treaties
with foreign states on behalf of the Federation. He shall accredit
and receive envoys.
(2) Treaties that regulate the political relations of the Federation
or relate to subjects of federal legislation shall require
the consent or participation, in the form of a federal law, of
the bodies responsible in such a case for the enactment of
V. The Federal President 50