Germany news: Merz to nominate Aigner for president

Friedrich Merz plans to nominate Ilse Aigner as Germany’s next federal president, potentially making her the first woman to hold the largely ceremonial office. Her candidacy matters as President Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s term ends early next year and parties consider a joint successor.

Aigner is president of Bavaria’s state parliament and a member of the conservative CSU. Merz is expected to formally propose her on Monday, ahead of the presidential election on 30 January; representatives of the SPD and Greens have already voiced support. The article also rounds up other Germany-related stories, including a Moscow plaque for former East German spy Markus Wolf, a missing teenager’s death under investigation, and Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer’s tendon injury.