Elizabeth Kaiser, the German government's commissioner for the East, called for the next president of the country to be elected from the eastern regions on the Day of German Unity. On this day, which was celebrated in Bremen, Kaiser criticized the lack of representation of Easterners in the country's senior officials.
Ongoing Disputes Between East and West
Germany celebrated its Day of Unity on Saturday, October 3, 2026, with festivals across the country. These festivals, especially in Bremen, were attended by over 400,000 people. In an interview with a local newspaper, Kaiser stated that currently none of the senior political leaders in Germany are from the eastern part of the country.
She said, "This can quickly create the impression that Easterners have no role in leading the country and are just sitting at the children's table." Kaiser continued, "I think it is time to have a president from East Germany again. Why shouldn't the next president be a smart woman from East Germany?"
Background and Future of the Presidency
The second and final term of Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the current president of Germany, will end in March 2027. The Federal Convention of Germany is set to elect his successor on January 30. Joachim Gauck, who was born in Rostock and served as president from 2012 to 2017, is the only president from East Germany since the reunification of the country.
Kaiser also referred to the economic and leadership representation disparities between East and West Germany, stating, "These disparities must be addressed for true unity in Germany to occur." Additionally, Angela Merkel, the former chancellor of Germany who grew up in the East, never became president and led the country for 16 years.
As Frank-Walter Steinmeier is set to deliver his final speech on the occasion of the Day of Unity as president today, attention is being drawn to who will succeed him.
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