Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer is one of the most influential political figures in Germany in recent years. She served as Federal Minister of Defence from 2019 to 2021, and has been Chairwoman of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation since 1 January 2026. Her political career is closely linked to the state of Saarland, where she was one of the most influential politicians in state politics for many years. She led the state as Minister President for seven years, significantly shaping its political direction during her tenure. Her term as Federal Minister of Defense coincided with the war in Afghanistan and the withdrawal of troops, as well as the conflict in Ukraine. At the national level, Kramp-Karrenbauer successfully negotiated an increase in the defense budget. Internationally, she advocated for strengthening the military capabilities of European NATO countries and called for a tougher NATO stance in disputes with Russia. Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer was a highly respected and popular minister. Born in 1962 in Völklingen, Kramp-Karrenbauer studied law and political science in Trier and Saarbrücken. She joined the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Women’s Union in 1981. After completing her studies, she held various positions within the party and its parliamentary group before being elected to the Saarland state parliament in 1999. From 2000 onward, she assumed government responsibilities, first as Minister of the Interior and Sports, becoming the first woman in Germany to head an interior ministry. She later held other key portfolios, including Education, Labor and Social Affairs, and Justice. In 2011, she was elected Minister President of Saarland, a position she held for two legislative terms. At times, she was also responsible for Science and Research. Within her party, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer also held several leadership positions, including General Secretary and later Party Chairwoman. Following the 2021 federal election, she withdrew from federal politics and chose not to renew her parliamentary mandate. As a speaker, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer impresses with her expertise, clear stance, and extensive experience in geopolitics and international relations, enabling her to offer well-founded insights across a wide range of topics. Her lectures are characterized by analytical clarity, security policy expertise, and a realistic perspective on international affairs.