Federal President | Ines Claus CDU candidate for the office of Federal President?

Ines Claus, parliamentary group leader of the Hesse CDU, is being discussed as a potential successor to Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Photo: dpa/Boris Roessler The search for a successor to Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is entering the next round. Another candidate has come into discussion with the Hessian CDU parliamentary group leader Ines Claus, who, according to a media report, is said to be Chancellor Friedrich Merz's favorite. However, he denied the representation, but reiterated the CDU's claim to be the strongest force in the Federal Assembly to make its own proposal. Meanwhile, support is coming from the SPD and the Greens for the Bavarian state parliament president Ilse Aigner (CSU), who wants to win over CSU leader Markus Söder for the office.

Claus himself signaled interest in running for office. The 49-year-old told the “Rheinische Post” that it was a great honor to be mentioned in this context. Now an orderly procedure must be followed with the leadership bodies of the CDU and CSU as well as the coalition partner. Claus has been chairwoman of the CDU parliamentary group in the Hesse state parliament since 2020 and has been deputy federal chairwoman of the CDU since this year.

The “Rheinische Post”, citing high-ranking CDU circles, reported that Merz favored Claus. However, this was rejected by those close to the Chancellor. Merz neither made a decision nor made a suggestion. In addition to Claus, the CDU also considers Bundestag President Julia Klöckner, Education Minister Karin Prien and former CDU chairwoman Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer as possible candidates. The Hessian Prime Minister Boris Rhein is also in discussion.

The Green politician Omid Nouripour reacted to the discussion about Claus with clear criticism. The Bundestag Vice President said on the sidelines of Steinmeier and Merz's trip to China, in which he was taking part, that he was very irritated that the Hessian parliamentary group leader was being traded for the highest state office. He expects a candidate who can be widely supported by the democratic center. From his point of view, Aigner is suitable for this.

Nouripour accused Claus of merely managing a standstill in Hesse. The office requires experience, authority and the ability to bring the country together. Merz should not only look for a candidate within his own party, but should also find a personality who can be elected across party lines.

Former Federal Labor Minister Hubertus Heil (SPD) also spoke out in favor of Aigner. He doesn't know Claus, but Aigner does, and as a committed democrat. She would be a good choice, says Heil. Leading Social Democrats had already spoken out in favor of the CSU politician, such as SPD parliamentary group leader Matthias Miersch.

Söder's proposal thus receives support from both parties, with which the Union wants to achieve the broadest possible majority in the federal presidential election. At the same time, the pressure is growing on Merz to choose between a candidate from her own ranks and the CSU's preferred candidate.

Merz's entourage confirmed that the CDU, as the strongest force in the Federal Assembly, had the right to propose a candidate. The decision should be made in an orderly process - a formulation that is used again and again by the CDU. The Chancellor named the meetings of the CDU Presidium and the Federal Executive Board on November 9th as the first important date. Until then, discussions are planned with the CDU state chairmen and the CSU. The coordination with the coalition partner SPD should then be expanded. Talks with the Greens are also planned.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the Union parliamentary group in the Bundestag, Thorsten Frei (CDU), avoided committing to a specific candidate. He personally considers a woman in the highest state office to be desirable. When making a selection, the most important thing is suitability for the task. The future Federal President must have a comprehensive understanding of political processes and be able to represent the country in difficult times. Frei also did not rule out candidates who had recently taken on important positions. Frei spoke out in favor of a quick agreement, although from his point of view there was no immediate time pressure. Respect for the office dictates that the debate should not drag on for months, so he would like a quick decision.

Gitta Connemann (CDU), chairwoman of the SME and Economic Union, also advocates for a female federal president. After 77 years of the Federal Republic, it is time to elect a woman to the highest state office for the first time. The Union has already filled other top political positions with women for the first time and can also lead the way with the Federal Presidency. Connemann did not commit to a specific candidate.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) urged restraint in the debate. There is no reason to rush, he told the German Press Agency. Public requests to speak benefited neither the office nor the potential candidates. The decision-making processes should take place professionally in the background.

It is crucial for the Union to find a personality who can bring the country together. At a time when forces of division in society are gaining influence, the head of state must have the power of integration. Merz and Söder could only achieve this if they were given enough space to communicate, said Wadephul.

The Federal Assembly will elect the new head of state on January 30, 2027. It consists of the 630 members of the Bundestag and the same number of electors sent by the states. The coalition of the Union and the SPD has a majority of around 50 votes there. Steinmeier cannot run again after two terms in office. The Union must agree on a joint candidacy before the election. It remains to be seen whether Merz will rely on a CDU politician or support Söder's push for Aigner. With agencies

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