Gauck

Following the initial disclosures, German weekly Der Spiegel ran a cover story under the damning title: The Wrong President, an allusion to Ms. Merkel's decision to back Mr. Wulff, a political ally and one-time rival, instead of the more popular east German dissident Joachim Gauck, in 2010.

German Scandal Adds to Pressure on Merkel Bernd Radowitz 2012

"I was surprised and flattered to be asked to run for the post," Gauck said.

Joachim Gauck: the dissident hero who holds the destiny of Germany in his hands 2010

Having both grown up in East Germany, Gauck and Merkel – herself a priest's daughter – have had similar life experiences.

Joachim Gauck: the dissident hero who holds the destiny of Germany in his hands 2010

Following reunification, Gauck was in charge of the state-run archives on the Stasi secret police, and won both recognition and enemies for exposing their crimes and espionage techniques.

Joachim Gauck: the dissident hero who holds the destiny of Germany in his hands 2010

Many see Gauck as something of a moral authority who can bring fresh blood to German public life.

Joachim Gauck: the dissident hero who holds the destiny of Germany in his hands 2010

A Protestant pastor and anti-communist civil rights activist from east Germany, Gauck could be elected German president in 10 days 'time in a vote that is widely being seen as an unofficial poll on Chancellor Angela Merkel's leadership.

Joachim Gauck: the dissident hero who holds the destiny of Germany in his hands 2010

"The fate of our father was like an educational cudgel," Gauck said.

Joachim Gauck: the dissident hero who holds the destiny of Germany in his hands 2010

With his fascinating Cold War history, Gauck, a father of four who was born in the port city of Rostock, is undoubtedly one of the most interesting Germans alive.

Joachim Gauck: the dissident hero who holds the destiny of Germany in his hands 2010

At a time when the German government finds itself in a state of turmoil, riddled by rows over its handling of the debt crisis and the controversial bailout of the Greek economy, Gauck appears a little nonplussed to find himself the man of the moment.

Joachim Gauck: the dissident hero who holds the destiny of Germany in his hands 2010

Several members of the government faction, including members of the FDP, who have clashed repeatedly with Merkel since entering a coalition with her in October, have said they will vote for Gauck.

Joachim Gauck: the dissident hero who holds the destiny of Germany in his hands 2010