Former German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, will not run for the presidency in 2027, her spokesman said on Thursday, dismissing media speculation about a possible candidacy.

It’s in response to a report Bild tabloid suggestion that the opposition Green Party could put forward Merkel, a member of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), as its candidate for the largely ceremonial post.

President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is currently serving his second and final term, which is set to end in March 2027.

His imminent departure had fuelled speculations over potential successors, including the possibility that Merkel could seek to become Germany’s first female president.

However, senior Green Party figures also rejected the suggestion.

They said, “There is no truth to that,” Green parliamentary leader Britta Haßelmann told the Rheinische Post newspaper. We have neither discussed nor decided anything regarding the federal presidential election.”

Other names mentioned as possible contenders included Education Minister, Karien Prien and Ilse Aigner, President of the Bavarian State Parliament.

Ms Merkel, who led Germany from 2005 to 2021, had largely withdrawn from frontline politics since stepping down as chancellor.

She is, however, scheduled to attend a CDU party conference next week as a guest of honour. 

(dpa/NAN)