I’m sure if has nothing to do with the fact that she running for reelection.
Here’s the thing you have to admire and laugh about.
The current coalition that Merkel has....is with the SPD (center-left). Zero chance that they would agree to vote for a burqa ban.
The future hoped-upon coalition after September’s federal election? With the Green Party....which is also a zero chance that they would agree with the ban.
It is the most clever statement you could imagine....at the federal level....it will never pass. At the state level...it’s possible that the Bavarians might be able to pass it, but the federal court system would strike it down (my humble opinion).