SPD leader suggests Bavarian president Aigner for German presidency

Bavarian State Parliament President Ilse Aigner, a member of the CSU, has been put forward as a potential successor to German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier by Sascha Binder, the new leader of the Baden-Württemberg SPD parliamentary group. Binder praised Aigner's extensive political experience, her commitment to respectful democratic discourse, and her proven ability to serve in office beyond party affiliations.

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It is high time that a woman leads our state for the first time.

"It is high time that a woman leads our state for the first time," Binder stated, emphasizing the current societal polarization and the challenge to democratic institutions. He believes the country needs a unifying figure who can build trust and clearly advocate for democracy. Binder suggested that lengthy party-political debates are unnecessary, declaring, "Ilse Aigner would be a strong Federal President for our country. Let's put a button on it."

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Ilse Aigner would be a strong Federal President for our country. Let's put a button on it.

Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder (CSU) had previously suggested Aigner for the highest state office. Aigner herself has recently responded to questions about her readiness for the role by stating, "This question does not arise now." Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) also commented that Aigner would be a "respectable, conceivable Federal President." Merz and Söder have agreed to discuss the matter after the state elections in October or November. The outcomes of the September state elections in Saxony-Anhalt, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and Berlin could also impact the composition of the Federal Convention, which is responsible for electing the next president on January 30, 2027.

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This question does not arise now.