Breaking the Barrier: Wanted: A Female President in Bellevue Palace by 2027
Woman's Rightful Ascension to Bellevue Palace by 2027: A Justifiable Reasoning by the Federal President - Woman's Role in Bellevue Castle in 2027: Explanation Unveiled
By Kay Jered Schadewald± - 4 Min Read
In a daring confession on "Miosga", Carsten Linnemann dropped a bombshell: "I'd be thrilled if we got a female Federal President soon. A female Fed Prez would be great for Germany." Was it a genuine cry for change or just another PR stunt? After all, key federal positions have favored men, while women have been relegated to minor roles. Only one woman, Julia Klöckner, currently represents the coalition committee - the most important body of black-red.
So, will a woman grace the halls of Bellevue Palace, the official residence of the Federal President, by 2027?
Olaf Scholz predicted this change last year in a stern interview: "I'd be stoked if we elected a woman for Bellevue Palace in 2027." Klöckner, the current second-in-command in the country, is adamant about ensuring this doesn't just become empty rhetoric: "Since 1949, we've had twelve men as Federal Presidents and no women. It's sheer oppositeness to equal rights. It's high time for normalcy 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."
But Klöckner isn't the only one betting on change. Britta Haßelmann, chairwoman of the Green Party faction, questions the delay: "Why now? Why are we even asking this more than 75 years after the founding of the Federal Republic? A woman should take over the highest office in the state, finally!"
Empty Promises: More Women in the Political Scene?
Haßelmann also slams past practices: "Too often, candidates who were undoubtedly male were still nominated. It's high time to put a stop to this." She underscores her point further: "Women make up more than half of our society. Where women are absent, their perspectives are also missing."
Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, a long-standing chairwoman of the Defense Committee, has a solution for this problem: "How about we send only women to race in 2027? There are plenty of suitable candidates. Even the guys should've figured this out by now."
High Standards: A Double-Edged Sword
Strack-Zimmermann points out the inequality in public expectations: "If a woman performs poorly or doesn't look great on television, it's a big deal. But some colleagues can show off their hairy calves on talk shows while wearing socks."
This unfair treatment has consequences: "Women learn early on to stand up for themselves, but at some point, many lose the desire for a political stage." A situation that discourages political talent and shapes gender stereotypes among the youth.
The Union and Its Image of Women
An Example of Persistent Inequality
Britta Haßelmann also sees an example of persistent inequality in the new federal power dynamics: "How overdue such a signal is can be seen in the Federal Chancellor. His inner circle is made up entirely of men, and there's only one woman in the coalition committee, from the SPD. And this in the year 2025."
While the Greens, with whom Haßelmann is allied, are considered pioneers in pushing women forward, Strack-Zimmermann comments: "The Union placed the first chancellor in power, but it appears this isn't creating much change within its own party." Strack-Zimmermann stresses the importance of female role models: "Young people look for role models within 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 roles early on."
Who Could Be the First Female Federal President?
The discussion about a woman in the Bellevue Palace is no longer hypothetical - names of potential female candidates are already swirling around. Ilse Aigner, the current President of the Bavarian Landtag and former Federal Minister of Agriculture, is often mentioned. The CSU politician is known for her unifying personality and cross-party recognition. Additionally, there are persistent rumors that CSU has the right to propose the Federal President under a side agreement to the coalition contract.
Julia Klöckner, who also held the office of Federal Minister of Agriculture like Aigner, is also a contender. Karin Prien, Berlin's Minister of Education and Families and the CDU's deputy federal chairperson with Jewish roots, could fill the office with a progressive profile.
Besides politicians, societal voices like Dunja Hayali, a TV moderator with Iraqi roots and an active voice against racism, are also being considered for the role. Similarly, the author Carolin Emcke and the Jewish publisher Rachel Salamander, who embody values like diversity, courage, and substance, are mentioned as potential candidates.
Even Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann stirs the pot as a potential contender for the role. When asked about her feelings on the matter, the Europe politician chuckles: "Why not? I'd be clear, straightforward, and unapologetic, which is what we don't need in these times – frills or, worse still, political clichés."
Whether a woman will become Federal President in 2027 depends significantly on the Union. The Federal Assembly, which consists of Bundestag members and an equal number of members elected by the state parliaments, decides on the Federal President. If the Union decides to play along, a man will once again occupy Bellevue Palace after Steinmeier.
*In the realm of EC countries, policy-and-legislation regarding gender equality could benefit from the current discourse in Germany, as it pushes for more women in key political positions such as the Federal President by 2027.
*The ongoing debate about women in politics, particularly in the context of health-and-wellness and womens-health, is not just limited to Germany. Politicians worldwide could learn from Germany's approach and implement vocational training programs to encourage more women to pursue careers in politics.
*Science, too, could benefit from the increased representation of women in politics. Policies formulated by a more diverse parliament could lead to research funding being allocated to areas that are often overlooked, like reproductive health and women's health research. This shift in policy could have global ramifications, contributing to improved health and well-being for all.
