Merz nominates Ilse Aigner for Germany's presidency

BERLIN -- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday nominated Ilse Aigner for the country's presidency, a move that could see Germany elect its first female head of state.

Merz, who also heads the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), announced the decision at a press conference in Berlin, confirming that the CDU's federal executive board had backed his proposal.

Aigner currently serves as president of the Bavarian state parliament and is a member of the Christian Social Union (CSU).

Amid geopolitical crises and rising extremism, Germany needs a president who can unite the country and provide guidance, Merz said.

Also at the press conference, Aigner said she aims to be a candidate of the "strong center" to bridge social divides and counter populist and extremist forces.

The next German federal president will be elected by the Federal Convention on Jan 30 next year. The convention, consisting of members of the lower house of parliament and representatives from federal states, assembles only every five years to elect the federal president.

Given the solid majority held by supporting parties in the convention, Aigner is widely expected to win the election.