Germany's Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier has been nominated for the top job by Chancellor Angela Merkel's coalition cabinet, the Express reports.

The popular 60-year-old hit the headlines in the UK when he called on Theresa May to take Britain out of the EU immediately to end Brexit uncertainty in Europe.

Merkel said: "I am happy about his nomination because I believe he is the right candidate to be the next Federal President.

"He is a candidate who will have the support of many people. He is a man who you can trust. He is grounded and has a vast knowledge of the world.

"I've known him for many years, if we were opposed during arguments, the discussion always stayed factual and fair.

"Mr Steinmeier is a man of the centre of the political spectrum, respected by businesses and the society at home and abroad.

"Particularly at times of global uncertainty and instability, a signal of stability and with that Mr Steinmeier’s support from the conservative parties is an important and right signal.”