Merz picks Ilse Aigner to become Germany's first woman president

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced on Sunday that he plans to appoint Bavarian politician Ilse Aigner as Germany's first female president in 2027. This confirmed news came from party sources, following speculation leaked last week. Aigner, currently 61 years old, is a member of the CSU, the Bavarian sister party of the CDU.

Aigner's nomination by Merz is expected to secure her election on January 30, as the majority of voters are drawn from Germany's two parliamentary chambers. She would succeed outgoing President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, a Social Democrat, in the largely ceremonial position.

Steinmeier, who has held office since 2017, will reach the limit of his two five-year terms in March 2027. German political practice dictates that coalition parties agree on a common candidate for the presidency. The current ruling coalition consists of the CDU, the CSU, and the Social Democrats of the SPD.

Aigner's predecessor, Steinmeier, has expressed his support for Aigner. Dietmar Woidke, a regional SPD leader, praised her as the "perfect candidate" for the job, highlighting her extensive knowledge of German politics, accessibility, people skills, and ability to connect with others. Aigner, born in Bavaria, has a background in electronics and politics, having served as agriculture minister and currently serves as the speaker of the southern state's regional assembly.