The black‑red coalition has settled on a date for the next German federal presidential election. According to “Spiegel”, drawing on sources from the CDU/CSU and SPD, the “Federal Convention (Bundesversammlung)” is scheduled for “30 January 2027”.
The previously circulating date of “14 February” is ruled out by the coalition. On that weekend the “Munich Security Conference” takes place, and the presence of international dignitaries would clash with a presidential ceremony. Formally, the decision lies with “Bundestag President Julia Klöckner (CDU)”, who must convene the Convention and set the place and time. The parliamentary “Elder Council” (Ältestenrat) is also involved in the scheduling.
Behind the scenes, intense bargaining has been reported by “Spiegel”. The outgoing President “Frank‑Walter Steinmeier” appears to favor a late date to keep the transition period as short as possible; his term ends on “18 March 2027”. On the other hand, “Prime Minister Friedrich Merz (CDU)” insists on freeing the week of the Security Conference so that foreign guests can attend in Munich.
The Basic Law only requires that the Federal Convention convene “no later than 30 days before” the incumbent President’s term ends. Historically, convening has taken place on a weekend, usually a Saturday or Sunday. The weekend of the Munich Security Conference would be the latest possible slot, but the preceding weekend is excluded because of carnival celebrations. Consequently, the SPD and CDU are now pushing for the 30 January date.
The plan has not yet been coordinated with opposition parties. According to the Greens, no discussion has taken place with them.
