Page:The Bonn Constitution (Basic Law FRG 1949).pdf/26

 (2) The Federal President may not hold any other salaried office, carry on a trade or practise a profession or belong to the management or supervisory board of a profit making enterprise.

On assuming office, the Federal President shall take the following oath in the presence of the assembled members of the Bundestag and the Bundesrat: "I swear that I shall dedicate my strength to the well-being of the German people, enhance what is to its advantage, ward off what might harm it, uphold and defend the Basic Law and the laws of the Federation, fulfil my duties conscientiously and do justice to every man. So help me God." The oath may also be taken without the religious asseveration.

In the event of the inability of the Federal President to perform the duties of his office or in the event of a premature vacancy in the office, the functions of the Federal President shall be exercised by the President of the Bundesrat.

Orders and instructions of the Federal President shall require for their validity the counter-signature of the Federal Chancellor or the competent Federal Minister. This shall not apply to the appointment and dismissal of the Federal Chancellor, the dissolution of the Bundestag in accordance with Article 63 and a request in accordance with Article 69, paragraph (3).

(1) The Federal President shall represent the Federation in matters concerning international law. He shall conclude treaties Rh