The Greens have denied that they want to put former chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) forward for the post of German president. “Merkel has already made her own statement, so there is nothing to it” said Greens parliamentary leader Britta Haßelmann in an interview with the “Rheinische Post” (Friday edition). She added that nothing has yet been discussed or decided about a presidential election on the party’s agenda.
Merkel herself has also dismissed the speculation. “That’s untenable” a spokeswoman for the former chancellor’s office replied to a request from the “Tagesspiegel” (Friday edition).
Earlier, “Bild” reported that top CDU officials were worried that the Greens might nominate Merkel for the presidency. No German chancellor has ever taken the office of president after leaving the chancellery.
The Federal Convention is scheduled to choose the successor to Frank‑Walter Steinmeier in early 2027. The Union is expected to constitute the largest parliamentary group, and the call for the country’s first female head of state continues to build.
