BERLIN — German Chancellor Friedrich Merz told Christian Democratic Union party heads he intends to nominate Ilse Aigner as the country’s next federal president, DW reported on Sunday, Nov. 8, citing the dpa, AFP and Reuters news agencies. If elected, she would be the first woman to hold the office.
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Who she is
Aigner is a member of Bavaria’s conservative Christian Social Union and president of the Bavarian state parliament, according to DW.
How the choice is made
Merz will formally put forward Aigner’s name on Monday, Nov. 9, when party leaders meet to choose a joint candidate, DW said. The election is set for Jan. 30. Social Democratic and Green representatives have already voiced support for her, DW reported.
Who she would replace
Aigner would succeed Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who steps down at the end of his term early next year. Steinmeier is a member of the SPD, the junior coalition partner, according to DW.
What happens next
Monday’s meeting of party leaders is the next step. Her election is not final until the Jan. 30 vote.
Sources
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