CDU foreign policy expert Roderich Kiesewetter publicly criticized Chancellor Friedrich Merz for his handling of the search for a successor to President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, urging him to endorse Ilse Aigner.
In an appearance on the ZDF talk show "Markus Lanz," Kiesewetter said Merz had shown no "Fingerspitzengefühl" (tact) and described the current phase as "quite stumbling, craft-wise difficult." He added that for such a top office, with difficult federal elections ahead, "to dilettante and delay like this is bitter."
Kiesewetter said he believes the choice will come down to Ilse Aigner of the CSU, which he called a good choice. "I find it good if it becomes Ms. Aigner, and I wish that Friedrich Merz clearly commits to the name on Monday," he said. "He can only win with that."
The new head of state will be elected on 30 January 2027 by the Federal Assembly, which consists of the 630 Bundestag deputies and an equal number of electors from the states. Incumbent Frank-Walter Steinmeier cannot run again after two terms. The Union has the right to propose a candidate but has not yet officially named anyone. Merz has spoken out in favor of a woman as president but has not named anyone.
The CDU presidium is advising on the Steinmeier successor. The CSU supports an Aigner candidacy. Several influential CDU politicians have also spoken out in favor of Aigner, including all three eastern German CDU minister-presidents.
On Monday, 9 November, Merz, Söder and Aigner are guests at the Ohel-Jakob-Synagoge in Munich, where the 20th anniversary of the synagogue's opening is being commemorated.
The chair of the Union women, Heil, called Aigner not only the best-suited woman but "the best-suited personality overall." Jochen Ott, the SPD's top candidate for the state election in North Rhine-Westphalia, also supports Aigner. He said Germany needs a personality at the head of state who brings people together and builds trust across party lines.
