Those heels! This outfit! This constant presence on social media! And always be in a good mood! Throughout her long career, CSU politician Dorothee Bär has often been judged on her appearance – even within her own party. While the top brass valued Franconian and repeatedly elevated him to top posts, delegates at party conferences were happy to give him a slap in the face and ensure he fared poorly by CSU standards.
Dorothee Bär, 47, now holds her highest position to date, namely Minister of Research, Technology and Space. In addition, the Breakthrough Innovation Agency previously located in the Ministry of Economy was also added to the department. But one thing remains: “As a citizen, I would rather be ruled by politicians who are in a good mood than those who always say that we are only one meter away from the abyss,” he said at an economic summit. South German Newspaper. And you have to dare to do something, “take a leap into the unknown”.
But Dorothee Bär’s good mood should not be confused with superficiality. When he tells what he has started in his ministry, how he is networking with other agencies to bring more attention to his concerns, one gets the impression that someone already knows what he wants and is working hard to make it happen – always with a hint of good humor.
In their opinion, this is still lacking, not only in the political sphere, but also in Germany in general. In the sense of “every kid running around in NASA pajamas. But we can also be proud of Esa.” Likewise with the European Space Agency. But Germans are not only less aware of how good their country is in many ways, they also talk badly about themselves. Germany is a world leader in many fields, such as Copernicus satellite services or navigation with Galileo.
Bär has had to defend the topic of space travel quite often, for example in his rural constituency. He then explained that satellites are also important for the environment and agriculture. And of course there is the issue of sovereignty: “If we don’t have sovereignty,” he said, referring to Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine, “then tech billionaires can decide whether to release data or not.”
“Residents want us to work together”
She would even do the same, even though her husband didn’t think it was a good idea, not least because of their three children. This may take time, but according to him it is not impossible that German astronauts could fly to the moon within five to seven years.
But he also knew that his duty awaited him in this world. It is important for him to work well with his colleagues in the cabinet. Arrogance and sensitivity have no place there, he believes: “Citizens want us to work together and not argue.”
Bär reached the highest level before serving as Federal Minister in Merkel’s last cabinet. Unable to form a complete digital ministry, he was appointed Minister of State for Digital Affairs in the Chancellery. The fact that this didn’t work wasn’t Dorothee Bär’s fault, but rather because she didn’t have enough money, power, or employees. As a queen without a country, she explores it and sees herself as a cheerful ambassador for all things digital, from artificial intelligence to computer games, which she also enjoys playing herself. However, he couldn’t do much. Now as a minister, things are different. But it must also be measured by the results.
Science encouraged them to start a business. “You can make money with good ideas.” In just 80 days, Merz’s cabinet approved the high-tech agenda. It explicitly aims to move away from the watershed principle and instead promote individual clusters, for example for quantum computers, artificial intelligence, or fusion energy. Will this last thing ever be put into practice? Bär thought it was possible, “This could work, but we have to make an upfront payment first.” Dare to do something.
