Germany could take a historic step by electing a woman as president for the first time. In the spotlight is Ilse Aigner, the 61-year-old from Bavaria, who has drawn media interest for her unusual journey, from the helicopter industry to the heights of German politics.
Unlike many other politicians, Aigner does not have a university degree. She qualified in electrical engineering and worked in helicopter manufacturing before starting her political career.
With about three decades of experience in politics, Aigner has been a member of the Bundestag and Minister of Agriculture in Angela Merkel’s government. Her candidacy has received support from some of Germany’s main political forces.
But behind her political success lies also a personal story with major challenges. Aigner has gone through two serious tumor illnesses, while early in her career she was prevented from running for mayor because she was not married.
Despite her long career, she continues to live in her hometown, Feldkirchen-Westerham, where she is known for her simple life and close ties to the community. Residents affectionately call her “our Ilse.”
Support for her candidacy has sparked many reactions, and even a well-known German presenter has tattooed her name on his arm as a sign of admiration.
If elected, Ilse Aigner will succeed Frank-Walter Steinmeier and become the first woman in German history to hold the office of president, breaking a long tradition of the institution being led only by men.