Manfred Weber, a senior CSU and EPP leader, has urged Chancellor Friedrich Merz's coalition to agree on a presidential nominee within four weeks, ahead of the CSU conference in Munich. He has publicly backed Ilse Aigner for the largely ceremonial role. The presidential election is set for 30 January 2027, with incumbent Frank-Walter Steinmeier stepping down in March after two terms. The Federal Convention—composed of Bundestag members and state delegates—will elect the president, and the coalition must unite behind a single candidate to secure a majority.
Senior German Conservative Urges Quick Deal on Candidate — Backs Ilse Aigner for Potential First Female President
FILE PHOTO - President of the European People's Party (EPP) Manfred Weber delivers a statement at the EPP meeting ahead of the EU summit, the meeting of the heads of state and government of the European Union. (is associated with: «Senior German conservative pushes for deal on first female president») Michael Kappeler/dpa
Manfred Weber, a senior figure in Bavaria's Christian Social Union (CSU) and head of the centre-right European People's Party (EPP), has urged Chancellor Friedrich Merz's governing coalition to agree on a joint nominee for Germany's next president within the next four weeks.
The next presidential election is scheduled for 30 January 2027. Incumbent Frank-Walter Steinmeier will step down in March 2027 after two five-year terms and is ineligible for re-election.
Weber told dpa that the coalition should reach a decision ahead of the CSU party conference in Munich on 23–24 October, arguing that the government needs to send a clear signal rather than engage in a prolonged internal contest.
There is no need for a long struggle now, but for a clear signal.
Weber publicly endorsed Ilse Aigner, the president of the Bavarian state parliament and a former federal agriculture minister, for the largely ceremonial head-of-state role. He said Aigner has the political experience and unifying qualities Germany needs.
Other names mentioned as potential candidates include Karin Prien (Education Minister), Julia Klöckner (Bundestag President), Ursula von der Leyen (European Commission President) and Boris Rhein (state premier of Hesse). If a woman is chosen, it would mark Germany's first female head of state.
How the President Is Elected
The German president is chosen by a Federal Convention made up of members of the Bundestag and representatives from the 16 federal states. The CDU/CSU bloc and the Social Democrats (SPD) are expected to hold a majority in that convention, which means the governing coalition will need to agree on a joint candidate to secure victory.
Weber's call for an early decision reflects a desire to avoid internal disputes and present a united front well before the January vote.
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