Bundespräsident: Steinmeier-Nachfolge: CDU-Vize Ines Claus zeigt Interesse

In the CDU, the search for a candidate for the position of Bundespräsident (Federal President) is gaining momentum. Surprisingly, Ines Claus, the chairwoman of the Hesse CDU parliamentary group, indicated her interest in the succession of Frank-Walter Steinmeier (SPD). Ines Claus called being named as a potential candidate a "great honor."

She stated that it is now important to maintain an orderly procedure within the party, involving the state ministers, leadership of the CDU and CSU, and their coalition partner. However, it was clarified by a spokesperson for Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) that Merz has neither fixed nor proposed anyone for the highest state office.

Claus' proposal has received criticism and doubts from CDU politicians, some of whom questioned her federal political background or deemed the candidacy absurd. The Union faction in the Bundestag reminded that there is already a sovereign Bundestag president from the CDU, Julia Klöckner, who enjoys much recognition beyond party lines and would be well-suited for the role of Bundespräsidentin.

Claus is a three-time mother and vize-chairwoman of the CDU, married with three children, and Catholic. She is the vice-president of the federal CDU since 2026. The Union claims a right to propose the next Bundespräsident, having previously only given a public proposal from Bavarian Landtag President Ilse Aigner, who belonged to the CSU.

Merz has not yet expressed an opinion, while CSU chief Markus Söder has repeatedly advocated for Aigner. Even the SPD has clearly announced their support for Aigner in the Bundestag. Union faction chief Thorsten Frei (CDU) emphasized that he does not want to be tied to Aigner as the Union's candidate, stating there are several women who are very suitable for the position.

The final decision regarding the choice of candidate is expected to be made in November, after discussions with the CSU, SPD, and possibly the Greens. The final vote will take place on January 30, 2027, in the Federal Assembly, where the CDU, CSU, and SPD together hold approximately a 50-vote majority, meaning they can decide internally.