Thorsten Frei, chairman of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, expressed skepticism regarding the idea of selecting the comedian and author Hape Kerkeling as Federal President. In response to a question from the “Kölnische Stadt-Anzeiger”, Frei stated that in addition to high public acceptance, it is particularly crucial for the candidate to have a thorough understanding of political realities. He emphasized that the role of the Federal President-whether male or female-carries a unique responsibility. “Especially in a time when we are dealing with strong societal polarization, the office of the Federal President gains a particularly balancing significance,” he noted.
The Union is planning to identify a candidate for the succession of Frank-Walter Steinmeier following the state elections in the autumn. While the CSU favors Ilse Aigner, the president of the Bavarian State Parliament, Frei offered a cautious comment: “The chairs of the CDU and CSU will discuss this in due course, and subsequently enter into talks with the coalition partners.”
