An online petition aims to install Hape Kerkeling as the head of state, but according to media reports CSU politician Ilse Aigner is now the most promising candidate to succeed Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (TheColu.mn reported). Kerkeling has responded to this development on Instagram.
There he shared a post in which he thanked his supporters: “Well over 165,000 people signed with WeAct because they wanted to see me in the Federal Presidential Office. I read your comments, and honestly, that makes me humble,” said the openly gay entertainer. “You’re hoping for someone from outside politics, not a career politician, who speaks plainly without shouting. That you’re granting me this trust touches me.”
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Hape Kerkeling also says: “The trust in our democracy is currently shaking terribly. You know I recently took a clear position in the Thuringian state parliament. And the backlash online was harsh.” The support from his fans shows him that: “I am not alone. We are not alone.” Together, unity and confidence are what the country needs right now, the 61-year-old adds.
Kerkeling wishes Ilse Aigner “from the bottom of my heart, only the very best”
The path to the—by the way, urgently needing renovation—Bellevue Palace goes through the political arena, Kerkeling explains: “The Union internally seems to have already settled on an experienced candidate. That’s the democratic process, and I fully respect it.” He wishes Ilse Aigner “from the bottom of my heart, only the best for this wonderful task.”
In conclusion, the comedian and author again addresses the people with a message: “What matters is that we stay loud for our values. You have shown me how much strength lies in our civil society. Please never stop getting involved. You’re amazing. Thank you for your courage.”
Kerkeling: The petition wasn’t absurd
In October, Kerkeling had already spoken to Spiegel about the petition as well. “That moved me, and I take it as seriously as it’s meant,” he said about the initiative.
He did not want to block anyone from taking the idea public—that a queer person should be head of state. It is unlikely to succeed, he added. The debates that arise from it, however, would do good for a free society. For this reason, he does not consider the petition absurd.
