Ilse Aigner: CDU board proposes CSU politician as Federal President

Individual CDU leaders had already made their support for Ilse Aigner public in the past few days, and the party executive committee has now formally agreed: the CSU politician should enter the race for the Union as the candidate to succeed Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. This was announced by Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU).

"I am pleased that I can tell you today that the federal executive board of Germany's CDU has followed my suggestion to propose Ilse Aigner as a candidate for election as Federal President," said Merz at a joint press conference with Aigner in Berlin.

Merz had already decided on the 61-year-old at a preliminary meeting with the executive committee on Sunday evening, but the formal meeting of the party executive committee on Monday morning was still pending. If Aigner is elected, she would be the first woman and first CSU politician to head the state.

Merz praised Aigner highly in a joint press conference. Aigner has been committed to respectful treatment for years and has consistently taken a stand against extremism and hatred. As President of the Bavarian State Parliament, Aigner has already shown her human qualities and empathy.

In the coming years it will be about holding the country together, said Merz. It takes a personality with a clear compass, with a clearly audible voice. "With Ilse Aigner, the Federal Republic of Germany is gaining a Federal President with dignity and heart, a Federal President who provides orientation and brings people together." Aigner not only has the character requirements for this, but also the intellect, charm and charisma.

Aigner was touched. She thanked Merz for the nomination and also the SPD and Greens, who had already announced support for Aigner's election. “This broad, nationwide support across party lines is really extraordinary and I admit it also humbles me, but it also makes me courageous.” She wants to be a centrist candidate, said Aigner.