Merkel rejects 'absurd' speculation of German presidency bid

"While there have been repeated calls for a woman to become Germany's head of state, so far, no former chancellor has taken on the office of president after leaving government. Since stepping down, Merkel has mainly been engaged in a mix of private life, selective public appearances, and a few major projects. She has largely withdrawn from day-to-day politics. Unlike some predecessors, she doesn't regularly comment on the government's decisions or party disputes."

""That is absurd," a spokesperson from the former chancellor's office said in response to an inquiry from the Tagesspiegel newspaper. In a separate response to Germany's dpa news agency, the spokesperson answered "no" when asked directly whether Merkel would be available as a candidate. The remarks came as political parties have started weighing possible candidates ahead of next year's election of a successor to incumbent President Frank-Walter Steinmeier."

"The mass-market Bild newspaper reported there were rumors within the conservative Christian Democrats, which Merkel once led, that the Green Party could propose Merkel for the largely ceremonial role. The report suggested the idea was being discussed as part of broader maneuvering over the next head of state. Merkel's office responded after the media coverage intensified. What have the Greens said? The Greens denied any plans to put Merkel forward. Parliamentary co-leader Britta Hasselmann told the Rheinische Post, "There is nothing to it.""

Angela Merkel ruled out any bid to become Germany's next federal president, with her office calling the idea 'absurd' and directly answering 'no' to inquiries about her availability. Political parties have begun considering candidates ahead of next year's presidential election to succeed incumbent Frank-Walter Steinmeier. No former chancellor has taken on the presidency after leaving government. Since leaving office, Merkel has focused on private life, selective public appearances and major projects, largely withdrawing from day-to-day politics and not routinely commenting on government decisions or party disputes. Merkel has been writing an autobiography titled 'Freiheit' (Freedom). Media reports suggesting a possible Green Party nomination were denied by the Greens.

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