Markus Söder backs Merz and weighs Bundespräsident candidates

Bavarian Minister President Markus Söder has publicly supported Chancellor‑candidate Friedrich Merz and emphasized the need for a consensus within the Union on the next Federal President. In recent televised interviews he rejected claims that he was trying to block CSU colleague Ilse Aigner’s candidacy, noting that a decision requires agreement with the CDU. Söder also mentioned the name of Hessian Minister President Boris Rhein as a possible contender, reflecting ongoing discussions within the CDU about alternatives. The remarks come amid internal party debates over leadership and the selection of a president with a legal background.

Söder’s comments signal a shift toward a more restrained political stance, aligning with Merz while navigating intra‑party dynamics ahead of upcoming elections.