President Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s second term ends early next year. The center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Greens are campaigning for a woman to succeed him — a first in Germany’s post-World War II history, in which twelve men have held the office.
The Greens suggested former chancellor Angela Merkel, who led the country for 16 years and remained widely popular. Merkel dismissed the idea as “absurd.” Observers also note the deep rivalry between Merkel and Chancellor Friedrich Merz, making her nomination unlikely.
Merz told public broadcaster Phoenix he will propose a candidate in September, saying he wants “a person who represents the country in its entirety.” He did not say whether the nominee would be male or female. September’s state elections will conclude the cycle of five contests this year and clarify the composition of the Federal Convention that elects the president.
How is the president elected?
Germans do not vote directly for the president. A special Federal Convention elects the president for five years by secret ballot; the officeholder may serve two terms. The Convention convenes only to choose the president and comprises the 630 members of the Bundestag plus 630 delegates appointed by the 16 federal states — these state delegates can be politicians or notable citizens such as athletes or artists.
Candidates must be German citizens and at least 40 years old. An absolute majority is required to win; if no candidate secures it in the first two rounds, a third round decides by relative majority. The federal government names a candidate for the largely ceremonial head of state. While the president ranks above the chancellor formally, the chancellor’s office is the most powerful in practice.
Klöckner or Aigner?
Bundestag President Julia Klöckner’s name is frequently mentioned as a possible candidate. Klöckner is seen as combative and is unpopular with the SPD, the Left Party and the Greens, who accuse her of polarizing.
Ilse Aigner of the CSU, president of the Bavarian state parliament for eight years, would likely gain broader support across party lines. Her drawback: if Aigner became head of state, it would make a future chancellorship for CSU leader and Bavarian premier Markus Söder politically unviable. Two top national posts held by the CDU’s smaller sister party would be unacceptable to many.
A candidate with Jewish roots?
Federal Education Minister Karin Prien (CDU) is often mentioned as a contender. Her grandparents survived the Holocaust, so her presidency would send a strong signal amid rising antisemitism in Germany. Prien represents the more progressive wing of the CDU, however, and is unlikely to win majority backing within the party under conservative chair Friedrich Merz.
An artist for president?
CDU General Secretary Carsten Linnemann has proposed seeking a candidate from outside professional politics. Writer and jurist Juli Zeh has been floated. Born in Bonn and living in Brandenburg for two decades, Zeh serves as an honorary constitutional judge in her state and is a member of the SPD. Her novel Unterleuten examines social conflict in eastern Germany over issues such as windfarm construction.
Zeh told Die Zeit she could imagine the role in the future but not now, citing the difficulty of balancing work and family. She added that the country needs a president not clearly assigned to one political camp.
With just under a year until the presidential election, speculation continues. Chancellor Merz and Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil (SPD) have several months to agree on a suitable candidate.
This article was originally written in German.