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Merz says next German president ‘must be a woman’ — report
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said he believes the next German president should be a woman, as political parties prepare to choose a successor to Frank-Walter Steinmeier. The comments could shape discussions about a consensus candidate, though Merz said he would propose someone from the political centre.
Steinmeier’s second term ends in March 2027, and the CDU leadership is expected to put forward a candidate on 9 November. Names mentioned include CSU-backed Bavarian premier Ilse Aigner, parliamentary speaker Julia Klöckner, Families Minister Karin Prien and former CDU leader Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer. The article also reports Merz’s call for stronger German AI capabilities to protect digital sovereignty, and Alexander Zverev’s rise to No. 1 in men’s tennis.
In short
- Merz says Germany’s next president should be a woman.
- Steinmeier’s term ends in March 2027.
- CDU leaders are expected to propose a candidate on 9 November.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A woman president could bring long-overdue gender representation to Germany’s highest office and signal that leadership is open to women as well as men. Merz’s preference for a candidate from the political centre may also help parties agree on a broadly acceptable successor.
The case against
Making gender a requirement risks narrowing the choice before candidates’ qualifications and public-service record are fully considered. A president chosen primarily to meet that criterion could be seen as a symbolic appointment, and parties may reasonably prefer to reach consensus on the person they judge best suited to the office.
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