Ahead of making a final decision regarding a candidate for the Federal Presidency, CDU leader Friedrich Merz is reportedly consulting with the heads of the Union state parliamentary factions. According to reports from closer Union circles, cited by the “Rheinische Post” (Friday edition), these discussions are scheduled to take place at the Chancellor’s office early on Sunday evening.
It has been understood that this meeting has been planned for some time, and the potential future Federal President could be a key topic of discussion. Following this, Merz plans to hold a dinner meeting with the CDU Presidium at the Konrad-Adenauer-Haus to further discuss personnel matters.
Earlier this week, the CDU Chairman announced during a meeting with local branch chairmen his intention to nominate a woman for the head of state position.
The Federal Convocation is set to decide on the successor to Frank-Walter Steinmeier on January 30. This body is composed of all members of the Bundestag and an equal number of members elected by the state parliaments. Any member of the Federal Convocation can submit a written nomination suggestion to the President of the Bundestag.
The Union is expected to hold the majority of seats within the Federal Convocation and could potentially form a majority when allied with the SPD. Although no official nomination has been made yet, Bayern’s Minister-President and CSU leader Markus Söder had previously floated the state parliamentary president of Bavaria, Ilse Aigner (CSU), back in April. Aigner was previously considered a potential internal party rival to Söder ahead of the 2028 state elections.
