Overview
- A spokesperson for Angela Merkel called the idea "absurd" and told dpa she is not available as a candidate.
- Greens parliamentary co-leader Britta Hasselmann said there is "nothing to it," rejecting talk of nominating Merkel.
- Bild had reported rumors within the CDU that the Greens might put Merkel forward for the largely ceremonial post.
- Germany’s next head of state will be elected by the Federal Convention when Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s term ends on March 18, 2027.
- Parties have begun testing names, with Education Minister Karin Prien mentioned within the conservative bloc.