# Merz says next German president 'must be a woman'

> German Chancellor Friedrich Merz insists a woman must become Germany's next president.
- Title: Merz says next German president 'must be a woman' · Dw
- Summary: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz insists a woman must become Germany's next president. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz says a woman must succeed…
- Keywords: germany, friedrich merz, president, frank-walter steinmeier, cdu, next president, woman president, news, world, politics, Merz, next
- Source: Dw — https://dw.com/en/merz-says-next-german-president-must-be-a-woman-report/live-79825749?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: germany, friedrich merz, president, frank-walter steinmeier, cdu, next president, woman president, news, world, politics
## 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.
## Key takeaway

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz says a woman must succeed Frank-Walter Steinmeier as Germany's president.