Two CDU state premiers have publicly backed Ilse Aigner as the Union’s candidate for German president, bringing the party closer to a decision on who should succeed Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Saxony’s Michael Kretschmer and Thuringia’s Mario Voigt are the first CDU minister-presidents to support the CSU politician, who is president of the Bavarian state parliament.
Kretschmer said he expected and hoped Aigner would become the Union’s joint candidate on Monday, adding that the debate should come to an end. Voigt told Stern that, based on more than two decades of working with her, he believed Aigner had the qualities Germany needed and could serve as president.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said he wants a woman to hold the office but has not named a candidate. The CSU has already backed Aigner, while the SPD and Greens have also indicated support for her. Merz has said he wants to propose a shared candidate from the political center.
The CDU’s decision remains outstanding. Its state premiers and other state party leaders are expected to play an important role, as half of the members of the Federal Convention that elects the president come from Germany’s states. The convention is due to choose Steinmeier’s successor on January 30.
Kretschmer said the candidate should have support beyond party lines, describing the presidency as an office that should not be used for party-political tactics. Voigt likewise said Aigner could bring the country together.
Germany has never had a woman president, and no president has previously come from the CSU. Other potential candidates discussed within the CDU include Bundestag President Julia Klöckner, Education Minister Karin Prien, former CDU leader Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Hesse parliamentary group leader Ines Claus. Merz is expected to put forward a proposal to the CDU’s senior party bodies on Monday, after talks with state leaders and the CSU and SPD.
Sources: Handelsblatt.