Ahead of the election of the next Federal President on January 30, the personnel debate within the Union parties is gathering momentum. CSU leader Markus Söder could explicitly recommend the President of the Bavarian State Parliament, Ilse Aigner, as a candidate for the highest office of state at the party congress this weekend in Munich. According to information from "Bild", Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) intends to comment on the succession issue at the next meeting of his party's executive committee at the beginning of November.
In the CSU, it is apparently expected that Söder will specify his previous support for Aigner. "So far, Söder has only ever mentioned Aigner; at the party congress, she could be nominated. And that is quite a difference," high-ranking party circles said, according to "Bild".
As early as last Sunday, Söder stated on ARD: "I want Ilse Aigner to become Federal President, if somehow possible." Should the Union actually agree on Aigner and she is elected, it would be a novelty: to date, neither a woman nor a CSU politician has assumed the office of Federal President.
Aigner receives backing from the CSU
With an explicit recommendation of Aigner, Söder could increase the pressure on Merz. The CDU leader has not yet committed to a candidate. According to "Bild", a high-ranking CSU representative said: "Merz has not named a name or a face for the post yet."
Aigner is receiving support from Manfred Weber, the Chairman of the European People's Party (EPP) and a CSU politician. "Ilse Aigner is a unique personality. She listens to people and takes them seriously. In doing so, she reaches precisely those who are frustrated and feel left behind by society. She treats people with humanity and openness and can build bridges where others deepen divides."
Weber said Aigner brings political experience and represents a clear stance on democracy. "She fits the office of Federal President perfectly. We don't need long personnel debates now, but clarity. We stand united behind her."
Merz has other names in mind
However, Aigner is not the only possible candidate. While Merz appreciates the CSU politician, according to the report he can also envision other candidates. In government circles, the ambitions of Hessian Minister President Boris Rhein (CDU) are therefore considered noteworthy. The lawyer governs in Hesse together with the SPD.
In addition, former CDU leader Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, who currently heads the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, and former Federal Constitutional Court judge Udo Di Fabio are mentioned as possible candidates.
For the Union, the approval of the SPD is of central importance. While the Union has the right to propose a joint candidate, it also needs the votes of the coalition partner in the election by the Federal Convention. According to information from "Bild", the Social Democrats attach particular importance to nominating a woman for the office.
Whether the SPD will support a Union proposal must be discussed by party leader Lars Klingbeil with the party leadership. This includes the executive committee, the state premiers, and the parliamentary group in the Bundestag. According to "Bild", the SPD has indicated: Should the Union propose Aigner, it will receive a quick yes. In the case of Udo Di Fabio, on the other hand, a quick no is to be expected.
Poll: 47 percent of Union voters consider Aigner suitable
An INSA poll for "Bild" shows how the public views a potential candidacy by Aigner. According to the poll, 28 percent of respondents want a woman as head of state. Ten percent speak out against it, while for 55 percent gender plays no role.
27 percent of respondents consider Aigner herself suitable to hold the office of Federal President. 30 percent see her as unsuitable for it. 43 percent have not yet formed an opinion.
Among voters of the CDU and CSU, approval is higher: 47 percent consider Aigner suitable, while 22 percent hold a different view.
Respondents cited credibility as the most important quality of a Federal President. This is followed by a close connection to the citizens and a confident demeanor both at home and abroad.
