Gauck praises Federal President Steinmeier. He is "simply a conscious citizen and a political person who gets involved in public debates when his personal and political experiences could be of use" The relationship with the incumbent Federal President is “characterized by mutual respect,” said Gauck.
“I particularly agree when he talks about the importance of enlightened patriotism or, in connection with Putin's war, about the existence of evil," said the former head of state, referring to Steinmeier in an interview with SPIEGEL.