Franziska Brantner, head of the Green Party, welcomed the nomination of CSU politician Ilse Aigner for the office of Federal President. While supporting Aigner, however, Brantner strongly criticized the entire nomination process, labeling it “more than unfortunate.” Speaking to the Funke media group, Brantner remarked that after over 75 years, it is high time that a woman assumed the nation’s highest office.
She expressed admiration for Aigner, noting that the politician has been empathetic and constructive in her previous political roles. Brantner added that she hopes Aigner will build bridges and bring the nation together as Federal President. The Green leader defined the required profile for the next head of state as a personality who meets people with empathy and openness, one who can unite, decisively defend democracy, initiate important debates, and possess a clear moral compass-qualities particularly needed during times of growing societal division.
Despite her endorsement of Aigner, Brantner sharply criticized how the CDU and CSU handled the candidate search. “The truth is that the process of finding a candidate has turned out more than unfortunately,” stated the Green politician. She viewed the passive approach of Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU), who failed to take the lead in the debate but instead allowed it to happen, as “deeply regrettable.” Such conduct, she argued, does not do justice to the significance and dignity of the highest state office.
This development followed confirmation on Friday that the CDU planned to back Aigner as a candidate for the successor to Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, after months of campaigning by the CSU. On Sunday evening, Merz subsequently informed the CDU presidency of his decision during a dinner.
