First female candidate nominated for German presidency

The Christian Democratic Union (CDU), led by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, has nominated Ilse Aigner, President of the Bavarian State Parliament and a representative of the Christian Social Union (CSU), as a candidate for the country's presidency.

Operativ Media reports that Friedrich Merz announced this at a press conference in Berlin.

According to the Chancellor, the CDU executive board accepted his proposal and approved Aigner's candidacy. Merz noted that positive reactions from other political parties indicate she could gain broad support.

He emphasized that the time has come for a woman to be elected as Germany's head of state.

If elected, Ilse Aigner would become the first woman and the first CSU representative to hold the presidency in the history of the Federal Republic of Germany. The Social Democratic Party of Germany has also previously stated its readiness to support her candidacy.

The Federal Convention will convene on January 30, 2027, to elect Germany's next president. Half of the 1,260-member assembly consists of Bundestag deputies, while the other half comprises representatives elected by the state parliaments.

Incumbent President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is ineligible to run again after serving two terms.