Annegret Kramp‑Karrenbauer, the chair of the Konrad‑Adenauer Stiftung and former CDU leader, has spoken clearly in favour of a woman for the German presidency. In an interview with the Rheinische Post on Monday, she answered the question of whether the time is right with a firm “Yes, without a doubt”.
She left her own candidacy open. “It’s a pure political and media debate. People currently have other concerns” she said. She also noted that her name being mentioned is not unusual, because speculation is running: “Who fits the bill?” and various names are thrown around-hers included.
The former defence minister added that the debate is still very classic. “What are the majority relationships and who could achieve anything?” she asked. “But the real question is what state the country is in, what kind of head of state it needs, and who can meet that profile”. She said this substantive discussion must happen as the election draws near. President Steinmeier’s second term ends in March 2027, and the election will be held on 30 January 2027.
