This CDU politician is now showing interest in succeeding Steinmeier

In the CDU, considerations about putting forward its own candidate for the office of Federal President are becoming more concrete. Ines Claus, the deputy CDU federal chairwoman and parliamentary group leader in the Hesse state parliament, openly expressed interest in the office on Tuesday - and, according to a report, she also has the support of party leader Friedrich Merz. “It is a great honor for me to be mentioned in this context,” Claus told the “Rheinische Post” on Wednesday.

Now it is important to “follow an orderly procedure: within the party, i.e. with the prime ministers, the leadership bodies of the CDU and CSU and of course with our coalition partner,” Claus added.

According to information from the newspaper, the 49-year-old is Chancellor Merz's favorite. He wants to make a final decision after his trip to Asia next week. Claus is a “recognized, assertive and respectable politician,” the “Rheinische Post” quoted Union circles as saying. In addition, she is “nice and friendly – ​​an ideal solution”. However, its disadvantage is that it is hardly known nationwide.