Merkel Backs Female Presidency Bid: A Groundbreaking Moment for Gender Equality in Politics

Merkel Champions Female President for Germany While Defending Her Refugee Legacy

Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel has thrown her support behind electing Germany's first female president in 2027, calling it a "completely obvious" step forward. Speaking at a newspaper seminar, Merkel also mounted a robust defense of her controversial 2015 refugee policy, warning against allowing the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party to dominate national discourse on immigration.

Breaking the Presidential Glass Ceiling

Merkel's endorsement of a female president represents more than symbolic progress—it reflects Germany's evolving political landscape. "I see this as the right thing to do," she told the Augsburger Allgemeine seminar, adding that she could envision it "very well indeed." Her pointed observation that "it's strange we still need to talk about this at all" underscores how Germany lags behind other major democracies in executive gender representation.

The timing is significant. With President Frank-Walter Steinmeier's second and final term ending in 2027, Germany faces a rare opportunity to reshape its highest office. While the German presidency is largely ceremonial, the position carries substantial moral authority and symbolic weight in Europe's largest economy.

Political Precedent and European Context

Germany would join a growing list of European nations led by women presidents, including Estonia, Georgia, and historically, Ireland and Finland. Current Chancellor Friedrich Merz has also expressed support for a female presidential candidate, suggesting cross-party consensus on this historic step.

Defending the "We Can Do This" Legacy

Nearly a decade after her famous declaration during the 2015 refugee crisis, Merkel remains unapologetic about Germany's decision to welcome 800,000 asylum seekers. Her defense comes as immigration continues to dominate German politics and fuel the rise of the AfD.

"We accomplished a lot—but we still have a lot to accomplish," Merkel stated, acknowledging both successes and shortcomings in integration efforts. She highlighted refugees who found employment and successfully integrated into German society as evidence of the policy's positive outcomes.

The Deportation Challenge

However, Merkel candidly admitted she underestimated the difficulty of deporting those required to leave Germany—a challenge that continues to plague current policymakers. This acknowledgment reflects the complex reality of European migration policy, where humanitarian obligations often clash with administrative capabilities.

Her rhetorical question—"Were we supposed to stand at the borders with water cannons? What would have happened to our values then?"—frames her decision as morally inevitable, even as critics argue it encouraged further irregular migration.

Warning Against Far-Right Influence

Merkel's sharpest criticism targeted the AfD's growing influence on German political discourse. She warned against allowing any single party to dictate what is considered acceptable, particularly regarding immigration and national identity.

Her specific rejection of claims that Bavaria is "a little closer to Germany" than Berlin-Kreuzberg—a diverse, immigrant-heavy neighborhood—directly challenges AfD narratives about German authenticity and belonging. This represents a clear rebuke to ethno-nationalist rhetoric that has gained traction in recent years.

European Solutions for European Problems

Merkel emphasized that migration challenges require coordinated European responses, warning that failure to achieve common solutions could weaken the European Union itself. This perspective contrasts with current German policies, including border returns of asylum seekers—measures she appears to oppose.

Her insistence on European-level cooperation reflects lessons learned from the 2015 crisis, when Germany's unilateral action strained EU unity and contributed to rising populist movements across the continent.

Legacy and Future Impact

Merkel's dual message—progressive on gender representation, defensive on refugee policy—illustrates the complex legacy of Europe's longest-serving recent leader. Her support for a female president signals continued influence in shaping Germany's political future, while her immigration stance positions her against both far-right populists and current government policies.

As Germany approaches the 2027 presidential election, Merkel's intervention ensures these debates will continue shaping the country's direction. Her warning against AfD influence particularly resonates as the party polls strongly in eastern states, threatening to mainstream previously fringe positions on immigration and national identity.