Merz considers von der Leyen as Germany’s first female president in 2027

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is considering the candidacy of Ursula von der Leyen for the 2027 presidential elections.

Speaking at the Chancellery’s open day, Merz stated, “It would be good if a woman were elected president of Germany in 2027.”

However, the pool of prominent names is limited. Although Julia Klöckner and Karin Prien have been mentioned, neither has generated strong enthusiasm within the party. CSU politician Ilse Aigner is eager, but her chances appear slim due to ongoing disputes with Markus Söder.

Von der Leyen the strongest contender

According to Der Spiegel, government circles report that Merz is seriously considering Ursula von der Leyen.

If von der Leyen were to step down from her role as European Commission President at the end of 2024, she could become the first woman to move into Bellevue Palace. Having already broken ground as Germany’s first female defense minister and the first woman to head the European Commission, the presidency would represent the peak of her career.

A political advantage for the CDU

Von der Leyen’s candidacy could also provide historic benefits for the CDU. Following the first female chancellor, the party would also be credited with presenting the country’s first female president.

Merz would also block another scenario—Angela Merkel being nominated by the Greens—which CDU insiders reportedly consider “the worst-case scenario.”