P-Frage: Merz beim CSU-Parteitag unter Zugzwang

In the lead-up to selecting a successor to Bundespräsident Frank-Walter Steinmeier, prominent CSU politicians are putting pressure on Chancellor Friedrich Merz. During a peripheral event at the CSU Party Congress in Bavaria, EVP chief and party vice Manfred Weber and Landtagsfraktion leader Klaus Holetschek called for a swift decision in favor of their female colleague, Ilse Aigner.

"The window of opportunity has arrived to make a decision," stated Holetschek to Deutsche Presse-Agentur in Munich. He highlighted Aigner's high approval ratings across Bayern, other regions, and even other parties, emphasizing that Aigner would be "an outstanding candidate from the perspective of being closer to the people." By making a prompt decision, Weber believes it would demonstrate Berlin's political agility.

"Please don't waste any time," Weber urged federal politicians. "Showing prompt decision-making on who will be the CDU/CSU and SPD candidate for the presidential election would also exhibit Berlin's political agility." Weber expressed optimism regarding Merz's reaction to the news, stating that he believed Merz would carry the clear message of CSU support for Aigner.

Weber cautioned the Union against prolonging the decision or abandoning the idea of nominating a woman for the office of Staatsoberhaupt for the first time. Aigner has already received encouragement and support from various committees, parties, and structures. The Bundespräsidentenfrage (presidential question) is not a typical election campaign; it is about the highest state office.

The successor or predecessor to Steinmeier is to be chosen by the Bundesversammlung on January 30. The Bundesversammlung consists of 630 Bundestag representatives along with an equal number of female and male voters from the states.