Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader Friedrich Merz has informed the party leadership of his intention to nominate Ilse Aigner for the post of Germany’s Federal President, DW reports, citing dpa.
She is set to replace Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who will leave office after his term ends at the beginning of next year.
Aigner, who represents Bavaria’s conservative Christian Social Union (CSU) and serves as President of the Bavarian Landtag (state parliament), would become the first woman to hold the office of Germany’s President if elected on 30 January.
Steinmeier is a member of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) — the junior partner in the governing coalition.
Merz is expected to formally put forward Aigner’s candidacy today, when party leaders meet to agree on a joint candidate.
Representatives of the SPD and the Green Party have already expressed support for her candidacy.