Potential 2016 presidential candidate Hilary Clinton told a German magazine that the United States needs to catch up to the European country.

Since 2005, Angela Merkel has been the chancellor of Germany. Reuters reported that Clinton recently told an unnamed German publication that the United States should follow Germany's lead and appoint a female leader.

"We are way behind you in Germany on this," Clinton told the magazine, which will reportedly publish the interview on Wednesday.

Interestingly enough, Clinton, who used to be the United States secretary of state, did not state that this female leader should be herself.

"Of course I want the U.S.A. to have a woman leader soon as well, and I will do all I can for that to happen, though I don't know yet if it will be me," she said.

Because of her history as a first lady under former president Bill Clinton's two terms, a New York State senator and the secretary of state, and her valiant attempt to win the democratic nomination in the 2008 presidential election, many predict that Clinton will make a run for the White House in 2016. Based on this interview, it appears Clinton believes she is the right gender for the job.

In addition, Clinton addressed Germany's issues with the United States' National Security Agency. The NSA reportedly tapped Merkel's cell phone in order to perform "large scale surveillance of electronic communications in Germany," according to Reuters.

"I would be as furious as the Germans are," Clinton said. "I would demand that my friend and ally stop eavesdropping immediately."

Clinton did point out, however, that a "no spy agreement," as proposed by some German politicians, is not a realistic solution.

"It wouldn't be flexible enough," she said. "I don't think a written treaty is the right way to do it, and it shouldn't be necessary in the first place."
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Follow Scharon Harding on Twitter: @ScharHar.

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