First the FDP decided to support the renewed candidacy of Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (SPD), then the Greens too. It has now been clear since Wednesday that the Union will also refrain from nominating an opposing candidate and is in favor of the re-election of the incumbent. Two CSU politicians from the Ebersberg district are also allowed to vote: MEP Angelika Niebler and MP Thomas Huber; the CSU parliamentary group in the Bavarian state parliament decided unanimously at the end of 2021 to send them to the Federal Assembly. In the SZ interview, Huber explains how he looks to this election.
SZ: You can elect Frank-Walter Steinmeier as Federal President on February 13th – are you happy?
Thomas Huber: Of course I’m happy because for the first time I have the honor of being a member of the Federal Assembly and being able to elect the head of state.
The choice is limited …
I make no secret of the fact that I would have liked a Union candidate from Bavaria. But the two presidia of the CSU and CDU have meanwhile unanimously decided to support the re-election of Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
Which candidate would you have favored?
I would have liked Ilse Aigner, our incumbent Landtag President, as a candidate. Especially in the current situation, in which the SPD currently holds the three highest offices in the state – Federal Chancellor, Bundestag President and also Federal President – that would have been a democratic counterweight. And Ilse Aigner would certainly have filled the office with glamor and led it with dignity.
But even without a Union candidate, are you happy to be able to vote?
I am very pleased! And even if the election is secret, I can say that I will support the incumbent Federal President.
What do you like about Frank-Walter Steinmeier?
Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is the stable constant in the Federal Republic, especially in the current situation, in which a certain drifting apart of society is noticeable. He has an integrative personality and does a good non-partisan job.