Speculation is mounting within the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) regarding the selection of the next German Federal President, whose election is anticipated in February 2027. With the term of Frank-Walter Steinmeier concluding in March 2027 and his decision not to seek re-election, prominent CDU figures are signaling their party’s intention to propose a candidate for the nation’s highest office.
Gordon Schnieder, CDU parliamentary leader in Rhineland-Palatinate, stated that after supporting SPD candidates on two previous occasions, it is now appropriate for the CDU to put forward its own nominee. Similar sentiments were echoed by Daniel Peters, head of the CDU party and parliamentary group in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, who expressed confidence that the CDU will be responsible for selecting the next Federal President. Dennis Radtke, chairman of the CDU’s worker’s wing, CDA, reinforced this expectation, highlighting the CDU/CSU’s anticipated strength within the Federal Assembly.
Projected seating arrangements in the Federal Assembly, based on current data from election.de, suggest the CDU/CSU would command 434 out of 1,260 votes, significantly outpacing the SPD, which is expected to secure between 262 and 264 seats. The Alternative for Germany (AfD) is projected to hold between 233 and 236 seats.
Beyond the desire for a CDU/CSU candidate, voices within the party are also advocating for the selection of the first female Federal President. Schnieder specifically welcomed the prospect, reaffirming the CDU’s history of promoting women to leadership roles. While he refrained from mentioning specific potential candidates, he indicated that the party possesses numerous individuals well-suited for the position. He also subtly alluded to a desire for a more assertive and impactful role for the next Federal President.