{
  "id": 4467125,
  "title": "+++ Bundespolitik +++: Merz kann sich erste Frau als Bundespräsidentin vorstellen",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/30/bundespolitik-merz-kann-sich-erste-frau-als-bundesprasidentin",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-30T17:02:28.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Handelsblatt",
    "slug": "handelsblatt",
    "url": "https://www.handelsblatt.com/politik/deutschland/bundespolitik-merz-kann-sich-erste-frau-als-bundespraesidentin-vorstellen/100137034.html"
  },
  "original_language": "de",
  "account": "Bundeskanzler Friedrich Merz announced a swift and coordinated response to hybrid threats from Russia following a recent drone attack on Leipzig Airport. He indicated that investigations were nearing completion and that the CDU government had reached a broad agreement on their reaction, which they would express in the coming days. Merz emphasized that how much is \"appropriate\" to respond would depend on assessing what \"appropriate\" means, and this response would be coordinated with the European Union and NATO partners. The chancellor also stated that while Germany would take action, it would be aligned with these partners. Merz reiterated that he supported increasing defense spending, while acknowledging concerns about a \"goldgraber mentality\" in the defense industry. He emphasized that the goal was to have a modern, technologically advanced Bundeswehr, not one reliant on outdated weapons systems, noting that rapid technological advancements necessitated cost-effective solutions. The chancellor addressed the issue of defense spending, stating that the Bundeswehr lagged behind its capabilities and that measures were necessary to ensure Germany's defense in Europe. Merz warned that a victory for the Alternative for Germany (AfD) in the upcoming Saxony-Anhalt state election would harm the state, as international investors would be less likely to invest in a region led by the AfD. However, the decision on the government's composition in Magdeburg would be made by the local electorate. Merz declined to comment on whether a woman would succeed Frank-Walter Steinmeier as Federal President, stating that the focus should be on the suitability of the candidate rather than their gender. He hinted at several women in the CDU who could fulfill this role, emphasizing the importance of the candidate's personality and ability to integrate the nation. The chancellor suggested that some women in the CDU, such as Bundestagspräsidentin Julia Klöckner, Karin Prien (Family Minister), Ilse Aigner (Bavarian State President), and Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer (President of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung), were well-suited for the position. Regarding competition with China, Merz expressed the desire to minimize Germany's dependence on external powers, stating that the industry had recently reconsidered its stance. The cabinet would now consult with EU member states to determine the best course of action.",
  "summary": "Eine Entscheidung soll nach den Landtagswahlen im September fallen +++ Bas stellt Krankschreibung ab erstem Tag infrage +++ Unionsfraktionsvize will Kohlekraftwerke anwerfen +++ Der Newsblog.",
  "key_points": [
    "Merz announces coordinated response to Russia's hybrid threats.",
    "Germany aims for modern, technologically advanced Bundeswehr.",
    "Several women in CDU considered suitable for Federal President role."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}