Anke Rehlinger, the Minister-President of Saarland (SPD), has voiced her support for Ilse Aigner (CSU) as a potential future Federal President. Rehlinger told Spiegel that, knowing Aigner well, she possesses the seriousness, connection to the public, and experience necessary for the role. The deputy chair of the SPD added that “it is time for a woman in Bellevue,” challenging the timing with, “When, if not now?”
Aigner, the Bavarian State Parliament President, is primarily backed by her own party when competing for the succession of Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. She also enjoys considerable favor within the SPD. Rehlinger’s comments mark what is currently the most prominent public endorsement from the Social Democratic Party.
The new head of state is scheduled to be elected by the Federal Convocation on January 30th.
