Ines Claus, the CDU parliamentary group chairwoman for Hesse, is reportedly the leading candidate for the CDU presidency. According to the “Rheinische Post”, which cites high-ranking circles within the CDU, Claus is favored by CDU leader Friedrich Merz. It was reported that Merz intends to finalize his decision after his trip to Asia next week.
Responding to the “Rheinische Post”, Claus expressed that it is a great honor to be mentioned in this context. However, she insisted that the established procedures must be followed. She stated that the process must involve the state premiers, the CDU and CSU leadership groups, and the ruling coalition partners.
Union insiders described Claus as a recognized, assertive, and respectable politician who is “nice and friendly” and an “ideal solution.” They also noted a key advantage: unlike CSU politician Ilse Aigner, Claus is fully qualified as a jurist. This qualification is viewed as a major benefit should a political crisis emerge following the next federal election. However, a perceived drawback is that she does not have widespread national recognition.
Claus is married, has three children, and is Catholic. She has been leading the CDU parliamentary group in Hesse since April 2020, and since that year, she has also served as the deputy chairwoman of the CDU under Merz.
