Overview
- A public encounter between Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Ilse Aigner at the CSU Miesbach New Year’s reception has intensified speculation about her potential nomination.
- Ilse Aigner, who leads the Bavarian state parliament and previously served as federal agriculture minister, has offered non‑committal remarks and neither confirmed nor ruled out interest.
- Bavarian premier Markus Söder has remained silent, and political scientist Heinrich Oberreuter says Aigner is unlikely to be advanced while Söder preserves his own chancellor option.
- Other Union names in circulation include Education Minister Karin Prien and CDU politician Julia Klöckner, reflecting wider discussion of a woman for the office.
- Frank‑Walter Steinmeier cannot seek a third term, and the 2027 choice by the Federal Convention will hinge on cross‑party support.