Aigner is currently speaker of the Bavarian state parliament (Photo: Reuters).
She returned to Bavaria in 2013, having earlier trained as an electrician and worked on developing electrical systems for helicopters before entering politics in the 1990s. Aigner would succeed Frank-Walter Steinmeier, 70, a Social Democrat and former foreign minister who unsuccessfully challenged Merkel for the chancellorship in 2009.
The Social Democrats, who are part of Merz’s coalition government, indicated their backing last week, according to a party official. Aigner has support across party lines, including among conservatives, Social Democrats and Greens. The Greens have also signalled support in recent days. Aigner is the speaker of the Bavarian state parliament. She has held ministerial positions in two governments led by former chancellor Angela Merkel. Germany’s president occupies a largely ceremonial position and remains separate from the day-to-day political contest. However, the office-holder also serves as a symbolic figure and is regarded as the country’s moral conscience.
Merz conveyed his support for Aigner, 61, at a dinner hosted by his Christian Democratic Union ( CDU ) in Berlin on Sunday, Bloomberg reported, citing a person familiar with the matter. Merz and Aigner share close personal ties and frequently meet in her constituency in Bavaria, where the chancellor has a holiday home, an official said, Bloomberg reported. The chancellor, who also leads the CDU, is expected to make his endorsement official on Monday, the person said.