Members of Germany’s Green party have begun to picture former chancellor Angela Merkel as a possible Bundespräsidentin (president). “A former chancellor with this world‑political experience is obviously suited to serve as head of state” said former Environment Minister Jürgen Trittin in an interview with Der Spiegel.
Merkel, however, has repeatedly stated that she does not seek the office, the Green politician emphasized. “Respect dictates that we accept her decision” Trittin added. The Greens’ parliamentary group has denied any thoughts of nominating Merkel for the 2027 presidential election, and her office last week dismissed any speculation as “far‑fetched”.
Despite this, former Agriculture Minister Renate Künast, who is 70 and was not re‑elected to the Bundestag last year, believes Merkel could make an excellent president. “Angela Merkel is clearly qualified. A president needs professional and life experience, presence, and a strong sense of the duties of the office” Künast told Der Spiegel. She went on to stress that Merkel’s extensive background-from constitutional scrutiny and law‑making to listening to the public and initiating national debates-equip her to guide Germany through difficult times. “Germany needs, especially today, guidance from a politically experienced, non‑partisan figure” she added. “I trust Merkel to bring a professional perspective and enrich the discussion with promising ideas”.
Until now, Germany has never elected a female Bundespräsident; all heads of state since 1949 have been male. The current president, Frank Walter Steinmeier, will leave office in spring 2027.