Former Federal President Joachim Gauck has commented on the succession of Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, stating that he believes the highest office in the state should be held by a woman. Speaking to “Welt am Sonntag,” Gauck argued that it is “absolutely necessary for a highly practical reason” that the next president be a woman. He added that given the many ways in which women contribute to public life, a female Federal President would simply send a logical and appropriate signal.
However, the former head of state also issued a warning. Gauck cautioned that if the debate is reduced solely to a gender issue, “that is not good.” He emphasized that having a man at the helm must remain a possibility. He concluded by stressing that what is primarily needed is a persuasive and unifying figure.
