In the discussion surrounding the succession of Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Thorsten Frei, the head of the CDU parliamentarian group, emphasized that the next president should be a person with a “steadfast personality, ideally unshakable authority, and great expertise in political processes.” He told the newspapers of the Funke media group that the individual should command a high degree of public acceptance and be capable of integrating various political viewpoints.
When asked about whether Hessian Premier Boris Rhein would make a good Federal President, Frei stated, “Boris Rhein is a strong Premier and an impeccable person. There is no doubt whatsoever that he could be a good head of state.”
On a personal level, Frei voiced a preference for a female candidate, remarking, “It would be nice if a woman followed Frank-Walter Steinmeier.” Pertaining to CSU politician Ilse Aigner, whom CSU leader Markus Söder had previously put forward, Frei clarified, “Ilse Aigner, as an experienced, qualified, and popular politician, would undoubtedly be suitable for the office of Federal President. I appreciate her immensely.”
