Presidential succession: support for Aigner grows

Support is growing across the CDU and CSU for Bavarian state parliament president Ilse Aigner as the next German Federal President, with a decision expected next week.

Backing for the CSU politician now reaches into the sister party CDU. Parliamentary group leader Thorsten Frei called her an "outstanding" choice in Bild-Zeitung, though he did not fully commit and said other excellent women could also handle the role. All three eastern German CDU minister-presidents have already expressed support, and Baden-Württemberg CDU leader Manuel Hagel has now pledged his "full support." Dietmar Woidke, the SPD minister-president of Brandenburg, also praised her as a perfect candidate.

The CSU put Aigner forward early, but CDU voices have recently called for a candidate from their own ranks. Names mentioned include Julia Klöckner, Karin Prien, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer and Ines Claus. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has argued for a woman in the post but has not yet settled on a candidate. The CDU leadership will discuss the matter on Monday, 9 November 2026.

The Federal Convention elects the new head of state on 30 January. President Frank-Walter Steinmeier ends his second term on 18 March 2027 and cannot stand again.

Key points

• The CSU's Ilse Aigner is gaining support, including from CDU figures and the SPD.
• Thorsten Frei praised her but did not fully commit to her candidacy.
• All three eastern CDU minister-presidents back Aigner, and Manuel Hagel has joined them.
• Other CDU names floated include Klöckner, Prien, Kramp-Karrenbauer and Ines Claus.
• The CDU leadership meets on 9 November 2026 to discuss the nomination.
• The Federal Convention votes on 30 January; Steinmeier's term ends 18 March 2027.