Horst Köhler gekozen als nieuwe president van Duitsland (en)

The former head of the International Monetary Fund has become Germany's new president.

Horst Köhler was elected the country's ninth post-war president by a special national assembly in the German parliament building - the Reichstag.

In his acceptance speech, Mr Köhler called on Germany to become a "land of ideas".

"We have to face reality: Germany has to fight for its place in the 21st century".

The 61-year old also had a message about the state of the EU's biggest economy.

"As a trained economist, I cannot spare you the conclusion that I am worried about the state of the German economy, jobs and social security".

The post of president is largely ceremonial - but it does mean that Mr Köhler will represent Germany abroad.

Mr Köhler's win meant a defeat for the government-backed candidate university professor Gesine Schwan.