Islam Times - Trump’s presidency harbinger of troubled times ahead: German FM

Islam Times - German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier has warned that the beginning of Donald Trump’s presidency “marks end of old world order.”

“Today, there is a great deal at stake. By choosing Donald Trump, the old world of the 20th century is over,” Steinmeier was quoted as saying by the Independent on Monday.

Trump became the 45th US president on Friday after taking the oath of office on the steps of the US Capitol during a momentous event marred by massive protests against his divisive rhetoric.

Steinmeier, who has been part of German Chancellor Angela Merkel's cabinet since 2005, stressed that US President Donald Trump’s election is the harbinger of “troubled times ahead”, but noted that Germany would seek cooperation with the new government in Washington.

He added that with power changes there are always times of uncertainties, doubts and questions over the new leadership’s agendas.

“The order of the 21st century and the way the world of tomorrow will look is not settled; it is completely open […] I know we have to adjust to troubled times, to some unpredictability and new uncertainties," he said.

“But I would like to make sure that in Washington we find attentive listeners who know that even large countries need partners in this world, and who are willing to go their way together with good friends and tried and trusted Alliance partners,” he added.

On Saturday, German Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel described the future under President Trump as a “rough ride.”