German President Horst Köhler has stepped down over criticism of an interview he gave about Afghanistan.
When the media was invited to a surprise press conference at the Schloss Bellevue in Berlin on Monday afternoon, many already had a dark premonition.
And then came the shock news: The President announced his resignation, effective immediately.
During his short speech his wife Eva Louise stood by his side. The head of state had tears in his eyes and his voice faltered in parts.
The reason for his sudden departure was the fuss caused by controversial statements he made on Afghanistan.
It is something which had obviously rankled Köhler.
