Söder favors a woman for the office of Federal President and increases pressure on the CDU

CSU leader Markus Söder continues to favor a woman for the office of head of state, thereby increasing the pressure on the CDU and Chancellor Friedrich Merz. “For over a year there was intensive discussion in the Union - initially in the CDU - and also in the SPD about the fact that it had to be a woman. This debate did not come from the CSU. “I think it is extremely problematic to say, shortly before the end, that a woman might not be suitable for the office of Federal President,” said the Bavarian Prime Minister of the “Rheinische Post”.

The CSU boss emphasized: “The decision will be made together. However, it is clear to me that the fundamental decision to nominate a woman should no longer be changed at short notice. What kind of signal would that be?"

Söder: Aigner would be an excellent candidate

Söder once again mentioned the President of the Bavarian State Parliament, Ilse Aigner (CSU), as a possible candidate: “If Ilse Aigner is interested, she would certainly be an excellent candidate.” However, these are not processes that can be carried out on an open market. “The central question is: How do we respond to the accusation from radical forces that Berlin and the establishment are out of touch and no longer have any connection to the people? With her closeness to citizens and the people, Ilse Aigner could help to reduce this area of ​​tension.” It was “very gratifying that there were also many positive reactions to her from the SPD and the CDU”.

Söder advocated a decision soon after the elections in the east. You don't have an infinite amount of time. “Candidates for the office of Federal President are not something you just throw out of your sleeve. “This requires serious and trusting discussions,” he emphasized.

In the ARD summer interview, Merz left it open whether Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier should necessarily be succeeded by a woman: “The question of gender is less important than the personality of the next head of state. And the requirements are high.”

Söder: No reason for personnel speculation about Merz

In the interview, Söder rejected personnel speculation about Merz. When asked whether Merz still had authority in the government and party, he said: “Of course. Everyone knows what it's about and what alternatives there are. Arguments are harmful. A government that is unable to act has little future in these times.” Next year there will be two important state elections for the Union in North Rhine-Westphalia and Schleswig-Holstein. “The survey results there show how important cohesion and joint action are so that we can ultimately be successful. Stealing oneself from responsibility has never been rewarded by the Union.”

When asked whether he would advise ending personnel speculation surrounding the Chancellor, Söder said: “There is no reason to change anything. Let's look at France: There may be radical elections there next year. It makes little sense for us to follow the same path. The CSU and I personally will do everything in our power to ensure that Germany remains stable and that no one falls into panic and hectic."