Former chancellor Angela Merkel has dismissed the rumours that she might run for the presidency next year. “That’s absurd” a spokeswoman for Merkel’s office told “Tagesspiegel” in its Friday edition, calling the speculation unfounded.

Earlier, “Bild” had reported that there were worries inside the CDU’s leadership circle that the Greens might put forward Merkel as a candidate for the office of Bundespräsident, a scenario that would be unprecedented. So far no former chancellor has ever assumed the presidency after leaving office.

The Federal Convention is set to decide in early 2027 who will succeed Frank‑Walter Steinmeier. With the Union likely to hold the largest faction, the call for a first female head of state keeps growing louder.