SPD Presidium supports nomination of Ilse Aigner as Federal President

The SPD Presidium supports the nomination of CSU politician Ilse Aigner to succeed Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. The SPD top committee supports Aigner's nomination, the news agencies dpa and AFP learned from party circles on Monday. The CSU politician is “an experienced, down-to-earth politician and has the important ability to bring people together across party and social boundaries,” it said. It was welcomed that “there is now clarity regarding the nomination”.

Chancellor and CDU leader Friedrich Merz wants to propose the Bavarian state parliament president to his party's committees for the highest state office this morning. Afterwards, Merz and the candidate want to appear in front of the press together.

Aigner also finds approval among the Greens. She would not only be the first woman, but also the first CSU representative in the office. The election of Steinmeier's successor is scheduled to take place on January 30, 2027 in the Federal Assembly, in which Aigner can count on a clear majority.