Germany: Ilse Aigner, Bavarian conservative, could become the first female president of the Federal Republic

Germany is set to elect its first female president, Ilse Aigner, the Bavarian Parliament president. Aigner, from the conservative CSU party, is expected to succeed Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Her candidacy will be officially presented by CDU leader Friedrich Merz on November 9, with a vote scheduled for January 30, 2027. Aigner's nomination has been backed by Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder, although there were uncertainties regarding her confirmation due to internal party dynamics.