Christian Wulff

Christian Wulff

Christian Wulff

German President Christian Wulff announced his resignation Friday in a televised statement, following a series of scandals that prompted calls for him to stand down.

Germany "needs a president who can devote himself completely to national and international challenges," Wulff said in a statement. "The developments of the past days and weeks have shown that this trust and therefore confidence in my ability to serve have been adversely affected. For this reason, it is no longer possible for me to continue in my role as president."

The German presidency is a largely ceremonial office but Wulff's resignation will be seen as a blow to Chancellor Angela Merkel, who supported his candidacy as president. Ref. CNN