Several politicians from the Social Democratic Party (SPD) have expressed support for Ilse Aigner, the current President of the Bavarian State Parliament (CSU), to run for the office of Federal President.
Sebastian Roloff, the SPD Chairman in Bavaria, told the Tagesspiegel that Aigner has gained “impartial and broad respect as the State Parliament President” and noted that her nature-described as both binding and unifying-would undoubtedly be an asset to the office of Federal President.
Markus Rinderspacher, the SPD Vice President of the State Parliament, echoed this sentiment, stating to the newspaper that Aigner possesses “everything that characterizes a good Federal President: political experience, human integrity, and a deep understanding of our parliamentary democracy.” He added that in her role as State Parliament President, Aigner has consistently advocated for respectful dialogue, social cohesion, and the reinforcement of democratic values. Rinderspacher is confident that she would “represent our country as Federal President with dignity, measured judgment, and a clear compass for freedom, democracy, and responsibility.”
Thomas Jung, the Mayor of Fürth, also called Aigner an “excellent Federal President,” declaring that, in his opinion, there is “no better candidate and no better man.” The long-serving SPD Mayor, who has known Aigner for over 30 years since their joint election to the Bavarian State Parliament in 1994, emphasized her local connection. “She was recently in Fürth and once again demonstrated that Ilse Aigner is extremely close to the common people and actively engaged,” said Jung. “She has good common sense and advocates convincingly for the democratic culture in Germany.”
The selection process for the Federal President is scheduled for January 30, 2027. Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s term concludes in March 2027. Currently, it is anticipated that the Union and SPD will present a joint list of nominees in coalition talks, though the Alternative for Germany (AfD) has recently indicated its intention to nominate its own candidate.
