Merz to propose Aigner for German president

Chancellor Friedrich Merz plans to propose Ilse Aigner as a candidate to CDU party leaders on November 9. Aigner, president of the Bavarian state parliament and a CSU politician, would be the first woman and first CSU politician in the post if elected.

Several parties, including SPD and Grüne, have already expressed support for her. The Federal Convention will choose Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s successor on January 30, 2027.