Under the title “Mitgestalten – Mitreden – Mitregieren” (“Help Shape – Have a Say – Help Govern”), 80 scholarship recipients and young alumni of the Max Weber Program visited the Bavarian State Parliament on 5 May 2026 and had the opportunity to speak with State Parliament President Ilse Aigner. Ms. Aigner provided fascinating insights into her political career, her motivation, and the challenges of a life in politics.
The discussion focused on questions that could hardly be more relevant today: How can democratic participation succeed? How is political communication changing? And how can young people be inspired to engage with politics? Particularly striking was the State Parliament President’s remark that the greatest underestimated threat to democracy lies in taking it for granted. Democracy, she emphasized, requires attention, commitment, and a willingness to take responsibility.
Her personal journey as a woman in the political sphere also offered compelling insights. She spoke openly about how she established herself in politics, the changes she has witnessed, and why it is important to her today to encourage younger generations to become involved in political processes. The discussion also addressed the changing culture of political debate, the growing importance of social media in everyday political life, and the question of how tolerance and the ability to compromise can be strengthened in polarized times.
Special thanks go to Dr. Giulia Mennillo from the Akademie für politische Bildung Tutzing for moderating the evening. We would also like to thank the Bavarian State Parliament for making this special exchange possible as part of the MWP annual theme “Imagination.”
Text: Mylène Wienrank, Max Weber Program
