The Green Party has denied that it is planning to put former chancellor Angela Merkel, a CDU member, forward as a candidate for President of Germany. Green parliamentary group leader Britta Hässelmann told the “Rheinische Post” (Friday edition) that Merkel has already made her own statement on the matter, and that the Greens have not discussed or decided anything regarding the presidential election at this time.
Merkel herself has likewise rejected the speculation. A spokeswoman for Merkel’s former office replied to an inquiry from “Der Tagesspiegel” (Friday edition) that the idea was “absurd”.
Earlier coverage in “Bild” suggested that senior CDU officials were worried the Greens might propose Merkel to the presidency. Historically, no former German chancellor has ever gone on to hold the presidential office after leaving the chancellorship.
The Federal Convention, which will elect the next president, is scheduled to meet in early 2027 to choose the successor to Frank‑Walter Steinmeier. The Union (CDU/CSU) is expected to hold the largest caucus in the convention, and the call for a first female head of state is growing louder.
