“Pretty stumbling” – party friend denies Merz tact

In the course of the Federal Presidential debate, CDU foreign politician Roderich Kiesewetter heavily criticized Chancellor and CDU leader Friedrich Merz. "He is someone who only recognized the concept of creative politics very late. It was important to him to become Chancellor," said Kiesewetter about Merz in the ZDF program "Markus Lanz".

The Chancellor has so far shown no tact. He must succeed in taking people with him. "I think he will mature from these mistakes, and I wish him that too. I wish Friedrich Merz a successful Chancellor."

Kiesewetter's general criticism of Merz was triggered by the Federal Presidential debate. “It's a pretty stumbling, technically difficult phase that we're currently experiencing,” said Kiesewetter, adding: “For such a top office, where we have very difficult federal elections ahead of us, to dilettante and delay like that is bitter.”

It was not the first time that uncoordinated proposals had been made regarding these personnel issues. He expects “that for the top office in this country (...) we do not damage the names of people who do honest work.” He would have wished “that we had never allowed this party politicization in the first place.”

Kiesewetter added that he believes that Ilse Aigner (CSU) is a good choice. "I think it's good if it's Ms. Aigner, and I hope that Friedrich Merz will clearly commit to the name on Monday. He can only win with that."

The new head of state will be elected on January 30, 2027 by the Federal Assembly, which is made up of the 630 members of the Bundestag and the same number of voters from the states. Incumbent Frank-Walter Steinmeier is not allowed to run again after two terms in office. The Union has the right to make proposals and has not yet officially named anyone as a candidate.

The CSU supports Aigner's candidacy. Several influential CDU politicians have now spoken out openly in support of Aigner, including all three East German CDU prime ministers. Chancellor and CDU leader Friedrich Merz had spoken out in favor of a woman as Federal President, but had not yet named a name.

dpa/fro