German president quits in scandal over favours

German President Christian Wulff has announced his resignation in a scandal over favours he allegedly received before becoming head of state creating a new problem for Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Mr. Wulff announced his immediate resignation on Friday, a day after the slow-burning affair escalated dramatically with a request by prosecutors for Parliament to lift his immunity from prosecution.

Mr. Wulff is stepping down after less than two years in the job. He was Ms. Merkel’s candidate for the presidency in 2010.