Söder confirms Merz as chancellor and supports Aigner for the office of federal president

The results of the recent elections had fueled speculation about a change of chancellor. CSU boss Söder now finds clear words. But he wants to have another personnel issue clarified soon.

CSU Chairman Markus Söder and Chancellor Friedrich Merz: At a public appearance, Söder clearly spoke out in favor of the Chancellor remaining. Photo: Michael Kappeler/dpa

Munich. CSU boss Markus Söder sees Chancellor Friedrich Merz firmly in office despite all the turbulence within the Union following the latest election results. “Friedrich Merz is Chancellor and will remain Chancellor,” said the Bavarian Prime Minister on Bavarian television that evening.

Söder pointed out that, constitutionally speaking, a change of chancellor only occurs under “extreme” conditions. And the CSU leader added: Given the voices in the SPD that perhaps wanted a left-wing coalition, it cannot be ruled out that a change of chancellor would possibly end in a debacle and even in new elections - if there was no majority in the Bundestag. That's why Söder confirmed: "The Chancellor is in office." And he added: “I would like to be Prime Minister in Bavaria.”

On another personnel issue, namely who the parties will nominate to succeed outgoing Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Söder hopes for a decision in a few weeks. He again campaigned for Bavaria's state parliament president Ilse Aigner, who is considered a possible candidate.

"We don't yet have any real signals from the CDU as to when we can talk. But I understand that now, because now after these shock elections we first have to resolve the obvious," said Söder. “But we will certainly get together in a timely manner, I hope at the end of October, beginning of November at the latest, and hopefully come to a common solution.”

"I think a lot of Ilse Aigner, I support her very much. She would be a great federal president. Markus Söder CSU chairman

The CDU/CSU and SPD have a majority in the Federal Assembly. “And with our own strength – and we should use that,” warned Söder and is counting on a decision in favor of a female candidate. "The CDU said a year ago and has repeatedly intoned it that it should be a woman. I think there is a lot to be said for that. And we have a very suitable one, namely Ilse Aigner."

Söder added: "I think a lot of Ilse Aigner, I support her very much. She would be a great Federal President. And if there is any possibility, then I hope that it works. She has my full support."

More: This is how betting investors speculated on the end of Chancellor Merz

dpa Published according to the editorial standards of the Handelsblatt. You can find more information in our guidelines.

More on the topic of our partners display

remind.me Take advantage of current low electricity/gas prices before prices rise again