The openly gay comedian Hape Kerkeling has spoken out about being moved by a petition proposing him as Germany’s president. More than 155,000 people signed the online appeal “Hape Kerkeling as Germany’s Federal President.” In an interview with Der Spiegel (a paywalled article), the 61-year-old said that he would not block the idea of elevating a queer person to the head of state. While the petition is unlikely to succeed, it could nonetheless spark a discussion that benefits a free society.
Kerkeling did not explicitly rule out any interest in the office. He also pointed to the importance of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU): There wouldn’t be a way forward without them, he said. The party will, however, choose someone who fits its own vision. He hopes the election will land on the right woman.
Kerkeling, who also writes, frequently weighs in on politics. Most recently, he participated in a hearing in the Thuringian state parliament on a possible ban procedure against the AfD (TheColu.mn reported). In Der Spiegel, he spoke forcefully in favor of banning the party. At the same time he held voters responsible: “Whoever votes for right-wing extremists isn’t just seeking a simple rebuke, as is often said. Whoever wants the lions into the arena also wants to see blood.”
