Bundespräsidentenwahl: Ilse Aigner ist die ungekürte Kandidatin - Kritik an Merz

Ilse Aigner, a 61-year-old Bavarian Landtagspräsidentin, has received widespread support from the CDU for her nomination as the next Federal President. This decision came after discussions between the CDU and CSU to ensure a smooth transition in leadership for the upcoming 2029 Bundestag elections. CDU Chancellor Friedrich Merz, however, decided to officially propose Aigner to the CDU leadership, with talks set to take place on Sunday and Monday in Berlin.

The Greens criticized Merz's approach, calling it an "unprofessional search" and accusing both the CDU and Merz of mishandling the process. Former Green leader Omid Nouripour and CDU faction leader Britta Hasselmann expressed their dissatisfaction with the union's handling of the situation. The CDU itself had also raised concerns about the union's tactics, with CDU foreign policy expert Roderich Kiesewetter stating that the process was "dilatory" and "unworthy" of the office.

Despite the criticism, Merz remained silent, stating that the CDU had agreed with the CSU to follow a predetermined process and that he would support a female candidate. The SPD has already announced its support for Aigner's candidacy. While the Greens expressed their admiration for Aigner, the AfD and the Left rejected her nomination, arguing that the future Federal President should not divide Germans.

CSU chairman Markus Söder had first proposed Aigner for the position in April, and Merz eventually chose Aigner as his female candidate. Aigener would be the first female and first CSU politician to hold the position of Federal President.