Friedrich Merz has said Germany’s next federal president should be a woman, ending a lengthy period without stating his position. He made the announcement on Monday evening at a conference of his party’s district chairs.
“I will propose a joint candidate to the party, a candidate from the political center,” Merz said. “I am decided on the question that it must be a woman.” He did not identify a potential candidate.
No woman has held the German presidency since the Federal Republic was founded. Frank-Walter Steinmeier is the 12th man to serve in the office.
Sources: Süddeutsche Zeitung.