Overview
- Party sources reported over the weekend that CDU and CSU leaders have coalesced around Ilse Aigner and plan to propose her as a common candidate with the SPD.
- SPD leaders, including party chief Lars Klingbeil, have publicly said they would welcome and vote for Aigner if the Union formally nominates her.
- The nomination has not been formalized and is expected to be ratified by CDU, CSU and coalition committees at meetings on Monday.
- Supporters and commentators praise Aigner for long service at federal and Bavarian levels and for a personable, unifying style, with former CSU chief Horst Seehofer among her defenders.
- Opponents say the drawn‑out, partisan selection process weakens the nonpartisan stature of the presidency and the AfD and The Left have already said they will not back her, leaving questions about Union leadership and public legitimacy.