In Push for Gender Equality, What Takes a Woman to Bellevue Palace by 2027?
Woman's Rightful Succession to Bellevue Palace by 2027 Advocated by Federal President - Female Candidate's Claim to Bellevue Castle in 2027: Rationale Explored
by Kay Jered Schadewald* ~ 4 Min Read*
Casual In a recent conversation on "Miosga," Carsten Linnemann dropped a surprising statement: "I'd be thrilled if we had a female Federal President soon. And a female Federal President would do Germany good." This statement raises questions: Is this a mere PR stunt - or a sincere call for change? With key positions in the new federal government dominated by men, while women are often relegated to minor posts, the question of whether a woman will grace Bellevue Palace, the official residence of the Federal President, by 2027 lingers.
Former Chancellor Olaf Scholz previously expressed his hope for a woman in Bellevue Palace by 2027, stating, "I would be happy if we elected a woman to Bellevue Palace in 2027." One person working to ensure that this ambition isn't just lip service is Bundestag President Julia Klöckner. The current number two in the country bluntly states, "Since 1949, there have been twelve men on the list of Federal Presidents, not a single woman. That's a far cry from equality. It's about time for normality to prevail in the highest state office." Klöckner welcomes the fact that the coalition partners are now considering a female nomination: "It's a long overdue step."
Klöckner is not alone in recognizing the urgency. Britta Haßelmann, chairwoman of the Green Party faction, challenges: "Why now? And why is this question even being asked more than 75 years after the founding of the Federal Republic? Of course, a woman should finally take over the highest office in the state."
Women in Politics: More Than Just Talk
Haßelmann also criticizes the past practice: "All too often, a candidate was nominated even when it was clear that another man would take over the office. It's time to put an end to this." She reiterates further: "Women make up more than half of this society. Where women are missing, their perspective is also missing."
Another politician challenging a male-dominated domain, such as defense, is Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann. The FDP politician and long-standing chairwoman of the defense committee offers a solution to Haßelmann's concerns: "Why not send only women as candidates into the race in 2027? There are plenty of personalities who would qualify for the job. Even the gentlemen should have recognized by now that they're not the only suitable candidates."
Gender Bias in the Political Spotlight
Strack-Zimmermann highlights double standards in public affairs: "If a woman performs poorly or unfavorably on television, it becomes a topic, while some colleagues can show their hairy calves on TV in socks." Unequal treatment has consequences: "Women learn early on to assert themselves, but many lose their desire for this political stage." This situation weakens the political ranks and acts as a role model for young people.
The Union's Image of Women
Example of Persistent Inequality
Haßelmann also points to an example of persistent inequality in the new power dynamics of the federal government: "How overdue such a signal is can be seen in the office of Federal Chancellor. His power circle is exclusively male, and there is only one woman in the coalition committee, from the SPD. And this in the year 2025."
While Haßelmann's alliance, the Greens, is known for its consistent promotion of women, Strack-Zimmermann pushes further: "The Union placed the first chancellor in power, but it doesn't seem to have made an impact within its own party." Strack-Zimmermann emphasizes the importance of female role models: "Especially young people look for their role model in their own gender. A woman as head of state would be a role model for young women, but also for young men, because it would influence their gender role early on."
Who Could Be the First Female Federal President?
Speculation about a woman in Bellevue Palace is no longer theoretical - potential female candidates are already being mentioned. Ilse Aigner, the current President of the Bavarian Landtag and former Federal Minister of Agriculture, is frequently named. Aigner is seen as a unifying personality who commands wide recognition across party lines. Moreover, persistent rumors claim that the CSU has the right to propose a candidate for federal president according to a side agreement in the coalition contract.
Julia Klöckner, who also held the office of Federal Minister of Agriculture like Aigner, is also included in the discussion. Karin Prien, Minister of Education and Families in Berlin and Deputy CDU Federal Chairperson with Jewish roots, could fill the office with a progressive profile.
In addition to politicians, media figures such as Dunja Hayali, a TV moderator with Iraqi roots and a vocal advocate against racism, could resonate in the office with societal weight. Similarly, the author Carolin Emcke and Jewish publisher Rachel Salamander might embody values such as diversity, courage, and convictions - qualities that Germany presses for now.
Federal President Strack-Zimmermann?
The name of Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann resurfaces frequently in discussions about a female Federal President. When asked about the possibility of serving in such a role, the seasoned politician laughs: "Of course. I'd be less comfortable, perhaps challenging for some, but always clear, open, and straightforward, because we don't need fancy frills or political clichés in these times."
Whether a woman will sit in the Bellevue Palace in 2027 depends mainly on the Union. The Federal Convention, which makes the final decision, consists of members of the Bundestag and an equal number of members elected by the state parliaments. If the Union does not cooperate, another man will take up residence in Bellevue Palace after Steinmeier.
- Women's leadership in EC countries could be inspiring, showcasing political figures like Julia Klöckner who advocates for gender equality in vocational training, science, health-and-wellness, particularly in women's health, and policy-and-legislation.
- In the realm of business and finance, diversity-and-inclusion is a critical aspect, and a female Federal President might drive this conversation from Bellevue Palace, setting a significant example for corporate leaders to foster more gender balance.
- The women in leadership roles could also bring forth innovative perspectives and initiatives in the health-and-wellness sector, focusing on women's health and well-being, providing resources, and advocating for comprehensive policy changes.
- In the science field, a female Federal President may influence funding policies and research agendas with a focus on women's empowerment, ensuring equal opportunities for women in STEM fields, fostering innovation, and driving progress.
- In the politics and general-news landscape, a female Federal President might address gender bias and double standards, championing women's leadership, encouraging more women to step into roles traditionally dominated by men, and promoting new approaches to leadership, including collaboration and compromise.
