Ilse Aigner makes public appearance at Oktoberfest after knee surgery

Bavarian State Parliament President Ilse Aigner has made a public appearance at Oktoberfest following a period of recovery from knee surgery. The 61-year-old CSU politician underwent a procedure to receive a partial prosthesis during the parliamentary summer break in August, followed by a rehabilitation period involving physiotherapy and lymphatic drainage.

Aigner made her comeback at the festival by conducting the Olympiad march at the Bräurosl stage. Her recent absence from the public eye was attributed to her medical recovery rather than political withdrawal.

Beyond her health, Aigner continues to be discussed as a potential candidate for the German presidency, a role she has historically addressed with silence. While there has been speculation regarding the support of CSU leader Markus Söder for such a move, Aigner has not officially commented on her interest in succeeding Frank-Walter Steinmeier.