Merkel dismisses speculation about running for Germany’s presidency

Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) has rejected rumours that she might run for the office of Federal President next year.

A spokesperson from Merkel’s office told Tagesspiegel the idea is “absurd,” Caliber.Az reports, citing German media.

The speculation followed a Bild report suggesting that some in the CDU leadership feared the Greens could propose Merkel as a candidate. However, the Greens quickly denied the claim. Parliamentary leader Britta Haßelmann told the Rheinische Post: “There’s nothing to it. At this stage, nothing has been discussed or decided regarding the federal presidential election.”

No former chancellor has ever assumed the presidency after leaving office. The Federal Assembly is set to elect Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s successor in early 2027, with the CDU/CSU expected to be the largest parliamentary group. The discussion has reignited calls for Germany to have its first female head of state.

In a related development, Merkel will make a surprise appearance at a CDU party congress on February 20, marking her first participation in such an event since stepping down as chancellor.

By Vugar Khalilov