Political scientist Albrecht von Lucke suggests that Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) is already politically weakened in the search for a successor to Steinmeier. Speaking to the “Rheinische Post”, von Lucke argued that Merz’s current international journey through Asia will only fuel speculation, noting that there is nothing suggesting the chancellor can control or contain these rumors.
The expert further added that nominating a Federal President is a delicate and certainly not a simple maneuver in political power. However, von Lucke criticized Merz for letting the process linger once again, stating that “again a key position has slipped away from him,” because he allowed the candidate selection to drag on for too long. This delay, according to the political scientist, enabled other figures to jump into the void, specifically by having the CSU leader Markus Söder-who possesses significantly more political capital-propose the Bavarian state parliament president, Ilse Aigner. This situation presents serious repercussions for Merz, as whatever he does now will not make him appear stronger.
The editor of “Blätter für deutsche und internationale Politik” emphasized that Merz could have averted this crisis and perhaps extinguished it in its infancy had he managed to nominate a candidate in a timely manner.
