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.