I’m surprised her gender is an issue in 2026; are the AfD just ticking another cliché box? As you wrote what matters is her competence in the role. She is coming into office at a difficult time, perhaps her background will appeal to her general public. Maybe she needs an “I see only Germans” speech, emphasising what unifies rather than divides. Best of luck to her.
Ha, it takes a lot of pluck for Herzog to say his accent made listeners feel as though they were on holiday! Rather funny though, and if we go back to your recent column about accents, we could have a pub night game about what other regional accents inspire when heard.
As well as becoming the first female President, she'd become only the 3rd Catholic President since 1949. 10 of the 12 to date have been Protestant. Interesting development in an increasingly secular Germany.
Very interesting. Presidential regimes in Europe have different selection regimes although in some (Finland, Italy) the president has more power. Ireland has direct election for a token post and has chosen very capable men and women. I recall that the SPD put forward a women candidate (possibly twice). I did meet her and wasn't impressed. These things are best decided on merit but this candidate seems to have broad support.
It is the result of the usual stitch up between the main parties. I have never heard her speak English which is quite important in her new role. I assume she does? Although unimportant, I think that unlike all previous presidents, she is unmarried. Who will she unload to in the evening?
I’m surprised her gender is an issue in 2026; are the AfD just ticking another cliché box? As you wrote what matters is her competence in the role. She is coming into office at a difficult time, perhaps her background will appeal to her general public. Maybe she needs an “I see only Germans” speech, emphasising what unifies rather than divides. Best of luck to her.
A President from the Principality also known as the Kingdom of Baveria, why not :)
Ha, it takes a lot of pluck for Herzog to say his accent made listeners feel as though they were on holiday! Rather funny though, and if we go back to your recent column about accents, we could have a pub night game about what other regional accents inspire when heard.
I love the subtitle.
Mei, wiaso ned? Und wenn die Buarschn es ned meng, is aa ihr Pech, gell? Die Ilse wird’s scho schaffa.
As well as becoming the first female President, she'd become only the 3rd Catholic President since 1949. 10 of the 12 to date have been Protestant. Interesting development in an increasingly secular Germany.
Very interesting. Presidential regimes in Europe have different selection regimes although in some (Finland, Italy) the president has more power. Ireland has direct election for a token post and has chosen very capable men and women. I recall that the SPD put forward a women candidate (possibly twice). I did meet her and wasn't impressed. These things are best decided on merit but this candidate seems to have broad support.
It already had one
Good luck to Aigner I say , we need more women in top positions ( on merit though not quotas )
It is the result of the usual stitch up between the main parties. I have never heard her speak English which is quite important in her new role. I assume she does? Although unimportant, I think that unlike all previous presidents, she is unmarried. Who will she unload to in the evening?