The Green Party has denied that it intends to nominate former Chancellor Angela Merkel for the position of Federal President. “Angela Merkel has already spoken for herself. That is not true” Green faction leader Britta Haßelmann told the “Rheinische Post” (Friday edition). “At this point we have neither discussed nor decided anything about the presidential election” she added.
Merkel herself has also dismissed the speculation. “This is implausible” a spokesperson from the former chancellor’s office replied to a query from the “Tagesspiegel” (Friday edition).
Earlier, “Bild” reported that CDU leadership were concerned the Greens might put forward Angela Merkel as a presidential candidate. No former chancellor has ever assumed the presidency after leaving office.
The Federal Convention is scheduled to decide on Frank‑Walter Steinmeier’s successor early next year, and the Union is expected to remain the largest faction. Calls for the country’s first female head of state continue to mount.
