CDU asserts right to nominate presidential candidate as CSU kicks off party congress

As the CSU convenes its party congress in Munich, the CDU publicly claimed the right to propose its own candidate for the German head of state, signaling a clear challenge to CSU chairman Markus Söder’s selection of Ilse Aigner. Aigner, who currently presides over the Bavarian Landtag and served as federal minister for agriculture from 2008 to 2013, was put forward by Söder weeks earlier. The CDU, while not yet naming a nominee, has hinted at possible contenders such as Bundestag president Julia Klöckner or education minister Karin Prien, the latter potentially becoming Germany’s first Jewish president.

Media outlets note that Chancellor Friedrich Merz favors former constitutional court judge Udo di Fabio, a figure the SPD deems unsuitable. The SPD also reiterated its preference for a woman to succeed President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, noting that all previous office-holders have been men.