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The search for a successor to the office of Federal President is a central political issue within the Union.
Wiesbaden. The chairwoman of the CDU parliamentary group in Hesse, Ines Claus, describes it as a “great honor” to have been mentioned in connection with a candidacy for the office of Federal President.
"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 the CSU and of course with our coalition partner," said Claus, who is also the deputy federal chairwoman of the CDU, to the "Rheinische Post".
The newspaper reports, citing high-ranking CDU circles, that the 49-year-old is Chancellor Friedrich Merz's (CDU) favorite for the highest state office. It was said that the Chancellor wanted to make a final decision after his trip to Asia next week.
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Friedrich Merz makes a decision to run for office after his trip to Asia.
Likely · Within weeks
The EU Commission is proposing an increase in Frontex staff to 30,000. The agency should also increasingly coordinate deportations, monitor social media and have a rapid reaction force for crisis situations at the EU's external borders.
In the Israeli parliamentary election, Prime Minister Netanyahu accused Arab parties of electoral fraud. Meanwhile, the electoral commission recorded the highest turnout since 1977. An armed man was arrested at a performance by Jair Golan.

Shortly before the US midterm elections, corruption is becoming the focus of voters. Polls show growing concerns about Trump's business connections and personal enrichment as his wealth has risen significantly since taking office.
The Federal Ministry of Finance is correcting an error in the tobacco tax law that would have inadvertently brought higher tax rates into force too early. A change in the law is now intended to ensure that the increases do not take effect until January 1, 2027.
Support for Ines Claus as a possible federal presidential candidate is growing in the CDU. The Hessian parliamentary group leader is considered the favorite of party leader Friedrich Merz, who wants to make a decision after his trip to Asia.

The parliamentary elections in Israel are seeing record turnout. By midday, 31.5 percent of the 7.3 million eligible voters had already cast their votes. It is the first election since October 7, 2023 and the start of the Gaza war.