Merkel rejects 'absurd' speculation of German presidency bid
Baku, February 12, AZERTAC
Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel ruled out any bid to become Germany's next federal president, her office said on Thursday, rejecting speculation that she could be nominated for the post, the DW reported.
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.
"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.
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 She has largely withdrawn from day-to-day politics.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.
One of her biggest post-office activities has been writing her autobiography, titled "Freiheit" (Freedom).
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.
Germany's federal president is elected by the Federal Convention, an assembly of all members of Germany's lower house, the Bundestag, and an equal number of delegates chosen by state parliaments. The Federal Convention's only task is to elect the federal president.
Candidates are usually nominated by one or more parties, although they generally do not run a campaign. Any member of the Federal Convention may also suggest candidates for the presidential office.
The German president's role is largely ceremonial, but the office carries moral authority and represents the country internationally.
President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will leave office when his second term ends on March 18, 2027. Under Germany's constitution, he cannot run again.
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