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Angela Merkel Dismisses Federal Presidential Candidacy – 'That is Excluded'

Published February 12, 2026, 12:26
Angela Merkel Dismisses Federal Presidential Candidacy – 'That is Excluded'

Angela Merkel has categorically dismissed scenarios for her possible candidacy for the office of Federal President of Germany in 2027, stating through a spokesperson that “that is excluded”. This statement comes after reports of concerns within the CDU that the Greens were planning to propose her as a potential successor to Frank-Walter Steinmeier. The rumor was reinforced by the announcement of Merkel's participation in the upcoming CDU conference, for the first time since 2019, while her tense relationship with current Chancellor Friedrich Merz is well known. Merz's re-election as party leader is expected at the conference. The election of the new Federal President should be completed by February 2027, after the end of Steinmeier’s second term. The CDU is expected to claim the privilege of submitting the first nomination, while a competing proposal from the Greens, in the person of Merkel, is considered unlikely. Additionally, there is pressure to select a female candidate, with potential candidates including Bundestag President Julia Klöckner, Federal Education Minister Karin Prien, and President of the Bavarian Parliament Ilse Aigner.