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1h ago

Merz Backs Ilse Aigner as CDU/CSU Candidate for German Presidency

The chancellor's endorsement strengthens coalition support and makes Aigner's expected 30 January election more likely.

Friedrich Merz (links) gibt Ilse Aigner, bei seiner Ankunft auf dem Parteitag der CDU in München, die Hand.
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Eine Frau, so „beliebt wie Jürgen Klopp“, wie die „Süddeutsche Zeitung“ jubiliert
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Overview

  • Chancellor Friedrich Merz publicly signalled his support for Ilse Aigner during a CDU presidium dinner on Sunday evening, clearing the way for the party to formalise her nomination.
  • Party officials say a formal proposal will be made by the CDU/CSU and Merz and Aigner will hold a joint press appearance in Berlin to present the candidacy.
  • The CDU/CSU together with SPD backing and sympathetic signals from the Greens give Aigner a roughly 50-vote cushion in the Federal Assembly, making a first-ballot victory on 30 January likely and an inauguration after Frank‑Walter Steinmeier's term ends on 18 March probable.
  • Left-wing parties have criticised the process as decided within coalition ranks without wider outreach, while the AfD plans a rival nominee who is widely seen as having no real chance.
  • The presidency is mainly ceremonial but holds key constitutional powers—such as proposing and appointing a chancellor and, in rare cases, dissolving the Bundestag—which can become decisive in times of tight parliamentary majorities.