The CDU and CSU form a joint parliamentary bloc in the Bundestag and are part of the European People’s Party in the European Parliament. Merz intends to inform senior CDU politicians Sunday that Aigner will be the bloc’s candidate, the two officials said.

Steinmeier’s second five-year term ends in March 2027. He is not eligible for re-election. His successor will be elected on Jan. 30, 2027. The German presidency is largely ceremonial, with the chancellor setting the government’s policy agenda.

Bavaria’s CSU premier, Markus Söder, suggested Aigner as a candidate back in April. The CSU has long dominated Bavarian politics but has never produced a German chancellor or president. Prominent SPD and Green politicians have also signaled their support for Aigner in recent weeks.

Brandenburg’s SPD state premier, Dietmar Woidke, described Aigner as “the perfect candidate” who knows German politics “inside out,” he told POLITICO’s Berlin Playbook on Friday.

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