Merz held a press conference with Christian Social Union Party (CSU) politician Aigner after his party's board meeting at the CDU Headquarters.
Merz, who stated that he had recently held talks about his presidential candidacy, stated that he accepted the CDU Executive Board's proposal to nominate Aigner for the Presidency of Germany.
Friedrich Merz stated that Aigner received positive reactions from other political parties regarding his presidential candidacy, and noted that this was an indication that Aigner could receive wide political support in the country.
Stating that he has known Aigner for many years, Merz emphasized that Aigner has many years of political experience and a high sense of responsibility.
Merz stated that Aigner's commitment to the fundamental values of democracy, his effort to adopt a respectful tone in political discourse, and his determined stance against extremism, hatred and social exclusion make Aigner a worthy candidate for the presidential office.
Stating that with the election of Ilse Aigner, a woman will be president for the first time in Germany, Merz said, "From my perspective, it is high time for a woman to come to this highest office for the first time." he said.
Friedrich Merz stated that with the election of Aigner, for the first time, a person who has received vocational training in craftsmanship and technical fields, has experience working in the craft sector, and thus knows the daily conditions of millions of people in the country, will assume the presidency.
Thanks to Merz
Aigner also emphasized that he was touched by being nominated for the presidential post and thanked Prime Minister Merz and the CDU.
Pointing out that there were positive signals about his candidacy from the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Greens, Aigner said, "I want to be the candidate of this strong central segment (of society)." he said.
Ilse Aigner stated that such broad support is also a signal against populist and extremist forces in the country.
Explaining that he does politics to overcome the gaps between people, to bring people together and to reach those who feel left out of society, Aigner noted that he is a part of the people.
The election for a new president in Germany will be held on January 30, 2027.
If Aigner is elected president, she will be the first woman and the first CSU politician to hold this position in German history.
Who is Ilse Aigner?
Aigner was born in 1964 in the town of Feldkirchen-Westerham, near the city of Rosenheim in southern Germany.
Aigner received vocational training as a radio and television technician between 1981 and 1985 and worked in his family's business until 1988.
Aigner then received professional development training to become a state-certified electrical technician until 1990, and worked at Eurocopter until 1994.
Aigner, who has been active in German politics for many years, served as a deputy in the Bavarian State Assembly between 1994 and 1998 and served on the Education, Youth and Sports Commission.
He was elected to the Bundestag from the CSU in 1998. Between 2008 and 2013, he served as Minister of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection in the government led by German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
Aigner, who did not run again in the 2013 general elections, became a member of the Bavarian State Assembly in 2013.
Aigner, who was appointed as Deputy Prime Minister of the State of Bavaria in 2013, also served as the minister of state responsible for economy, media, energy and technology in the state of Bavaria.
Aigner has been serving as Speaker of the Bavarian State Assembly since October 2018.
