Key points

  • Chancellor Friedrich Merz has nominated Bavarian conservative Ilse Aigner as the conservatives’ candidate to replace President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, according to Business Recorder.
  • The election is likely to take place in January by the Federal Convention, with current President Frank-Walter Steinmeier's term ending in March, Business Recorder reported.
  • Aigner stated that if elected, she would work to overcome divisions in German society, noting that democracy is under attack from within and without, according to Business Recorder.

Germany looks set to get its first female head of state next year after Chancellor Friedrich Merz nominated Ilse Aigner. Business Recorder reported that Aigner was nominated to replace President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in the largely ceremonial role.

Key details

According to Business Recorder, Aigner has received the support of Merz’s conservatives, their Social Democrat partners in Germany’s ruling coalition, and the Greens. This makes her very likely to be elected in January by the Federal Convention comprising members of the lower house of parliament and delegates from Germany’s 16 federal state parliaments. Aigner currently serves as the speaker of the Bavarian parliament and has previously served as a federal minister of agriculture, as reported by Business Recorder.

Context and impact

Standing alongside Merz, Aigner stated that if elected, she would work to overcome divisions in German society, warning that the country and its democracy are under attack from within and without, according to Business Recorder. While she did not elaborate, Business Recorder reported that Germany’s mainstream parties are having to contend with the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany party, which opinion polls suggest could become the biggest party after the next federal elections, due in early 2029.

Summary and what next

Business Recorder reported that Aigner is slated to be elected in January by the Federal Convention, with Steinmeier's term ending in March. Further details regarding her potential presidency or additional developments remain subject to the upcoming parliamentary process.