CDU/CSU: Bouffier's son to rise in parliamentary group leadership

Frederik Bouffier, son of former Hessian Minister-President Volker Bouffier, is slated to ascend to a key leadership role within the CDU/CSU parliamentary group in the German Bundestag. He has been proposed by parliamentary group leader Thorsten Frei to become the group's Parliamentary Managing Director.

Bouffier, 35, would succeed Catarina dos Santos-Wintz in the role, who was herself nominated to be the First Parliamentary Managing Director. Frei expressed confidence in Bouffier's suitability for the position, stating in a text message to lawmakers that he possesses "ideal prerequisites" and will "convincingly shape the diverse tasks associated with it."

A lawyer by profession, Bouffier brings a wealth of political experience from various levels. He has served as a member of the Hessian state parliament since 2024 and has been a federal lawmaker in the Bundestag since 2025, representing the Gießen-Alsfeld constituency. Frei highlighted Bouffier's "extensive experience at all political levels" and his "broad network," noting his particular prominence in domestic policy within the Bundestag. Frei also praised Bouffier's "hands-on, solution-oriented approach and his team spirit."

The leadership changes were triggered by the resignation of former group leader Jens Spahn (CDU). Spahn's departure followed public disclosure that he and his husband had a child via surrogacy in the United States, a move that drew criticism even from within his own party ranks. Thorsten Frei was elected as the new parliamentary group leader in a special session.

The election for dos Santos-Wintz and her successor is expected to take place during the CDU/CSU parliamentary group's first session after the summer break in early September.