On the way to history in Germany: For the first time - a woman is expected to be appointed president

Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced his support for Ilse Aigner, a 61-year-old conservative politician, as the candidate for the presidency of Germany. If elected, she would be the first woman to hold the office. The vote is expected in January 2027.

Germany is on the verge of a historic moment: for the first time in its history, a woman is expected to be appointed president of the country. Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced today (Monday) his official support for Ilse Aigner, a 61-year-old conservative politician who served as Minister of Agriculture in Merkel's government. The appointment requires an official vote, but the broad support Aigner enjoys in the political system makes her election almost certain. Aigner, who serves as President of the Bavarian Parliament, has presented herself as a unifying figure in a time of political polarization. She belongs to the Bavarian CSU party, and her candidacy has received support from the coalition and has even been positively received among the Greens in the opposition. The vote will take place on January 30, 2027, in a special Federal Assembly. Aigner is expected to replace the incumbent president, Frank-Walter Steinmeier.