Friedrich Merz Nominates Ilse Aigner for German President
Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced his intention to nominate Ilse Aigner for federal president, who would be the first woman to hold the office.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced his intention to nominate Ilse Aigner for the office of federal president. Aigner, the president of the Bavarian state parliament and a member of the Christian Social Union, would become the first woman to hold the position if elected. She is slated to replace Frank-Walter Steinmeier, whose term ends in early 2027.
Representatives from the SPD and Green Party have already expressed support for her candidacy. Merz is expected to officially pitch her name to party leaders on Monday, November 9, to establish a joint candidate.
The final election will be conducted by secret ballot at the Federal Convention on January 30, 2027. The voting body will consist of 630 Bundestag members and 630 state legislature delegates.
