The Greens have denied that they are planning to nominate former Chancellor Angela Merkel for the office of Federal President. “Merkel has already spoken on this herself. There is no basis for the claim” Greens caucus leader Britta Haßelmann told the “Rheinische Post” on Friday. She added that the party has neither discussed nor decided on a candidate for the upcoming presidential election.
Merkel’s office likewise rejected the speculation. A spokesperson for the former chancellor’s office called the rumors “absurd” in response to a question from the “Tagesspiegel”.
Earlier coverage by “Bild” noted that senior figures in the CDU are concerned that the Greens might propose Merkel as a candidate, a proposal that has so far fallen flat. Historically, no former chancellor has ever taken up the presidency after leaving office.
The Federal Convention is set to decide on the successor to Frank‑Walter Steinmeier early in 2027. The CDU/CSU Union is expected to form the largest caucus in the convention, and appeals for Germany’s first female head of state continue to gain traction.