Merz calls for female president

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has spoken out in favor of having a woman succeed Frank-Walter Steinmeier as Germany's president.

“I will propose a consensus candidate to the party, a candidate from the political center”

Merz's firm stance

Merz reportedly added he is firm in his belief that it must be a woman.

“I am firm in my belief that it must be a woman”

President role

Germany's federal president is the country's official head of state, as opposed to the chancellor, who is the head of government.

Current president

Current incumbent Steinmeier, a former Social Democrat foreign minister, became president in 2017 and his second term ends in March 2027.

Bavarian candidate

Bavarian premier Markus Söder recently proposed Ilse Aigner from his Christian Social Union as a candidate.

CDU candidates

The CDU itself may propose an alternative candidate from within its own ranks, with Julia Klöckner, Karin Prien and Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer all having been mentioned.

CDU timeline

The CDU's top leadership is expected to propose a candidate on November 9.

Digital sovereignty

Merz says Germany must speed up AI development to protect its 'digital sovereignty' in an era of rapid change.

AI risks

Merz warned countries risk surrendering control to outside providers by failing to keep pace with AI development.

“That is why we must, at all costs, avoid becoming entirely dependent on third parties when it comes to developing and using this technology”

Human values

Merz stressed people and their dignity must remain central to political efforts to manage AI development.

“AI development should be guided by human values”

AI modernization

Merz said adapting to AI-driven changes required 'an enormous technological and organizational effort'.

“an enormous technological and organizational effort, a far-reaching modernization of our state and our economy”

Business strength

Merz pointed to Germany's strength as a business location and home of industrial engineering.

International cooperation

Merz said international cooperation was crucial, and Berlin would seek to work with France and Canada to share knowledge and diversify supply chains.

Digitalization minister

Merz appointed a minister for digitalization and modernization last year after taking office.

AI criticism

Critics say Germany has been too slow to build the digital infrastructure and skills needed to exploit AI technology.

Zverev ranking

Alexander Zverev officially rose to the No. 1 spot in the men's tennis rankings on Monday.

Zverev historic

Zverev became only the second German man to hold the No. 1 spot after Boris Becker 35 years ago.

AfD summit

Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has confirmed a summit with Russian and American advisers is being planned.

AfD summit location

The AfD's summit is likely to take place in Abu Dhabi in early 2027.

AfD summit focus

The summit will focus on restoring Russian gas deliveries to Germany.