Germany news: Merkel calls for first female president

Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel has called for a woman to succeed President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, pointing out that no woman has held the office in the country's 77-year history.

Everyone should ask "whether it might finally be time," Merkel told MagentaTV.

She said she knew women capable of doing the job but declined to name anyone.

The Federal Convention elects Germany's next head of state on January 30. Steinmeier cannot seek a third consecutive term. The presidency is mostly a ceremonial role.

Bavarian parliamentary speaker Ilse Aigner has the backing of Markus Soder, leader of the conservative Christian Social Union (CSU).

Other names being discussed include Bundestag president Julia Klockner, Education Minister Karin Prien and former Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, all from Merkel's center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU).

Merkel described the debate as "strange" and criticized its "unpleasant undertone."

She also challenged her party's direction, saying the CDU's identity went beyond economic policy. "The CDU was always about building bridges to all parts of society — and that must be brought back to the forefront."

Berlin's socialist Left Party is expected to approve coalition negotiations with the center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD) and environmentalist Greens, potentially paving the way for the city's first Left Party mayor.

The SPD and Greens have already backed talks, which could begin on Monday. But the Left Party's youth wing opposes the alliance, calling instead for a "strong socialist opposition."

Delegates gathered under tight security in Berlin's Lichtenberg district following calls for protests accusing the party of betraying voters. Its candidate for mayor, Elif Eralp, has been given personal protection.

The Left Party won September's election with 25.7% of the vote. The governing coalition of the center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and SPD lost its majority.

If the three parties reach a deal, Eralp, currently the Left Party's parliamentary leader in Berlin, could become the city's next governing mayor.