Stand By Your Man

As voters and analysts appear increasingly bored with similar party manifestos, political figures are playing a greater role in this year’s German elections than ever before.

If its contrast they want, the difference between the two main party chancellor candidates, Gerhard Schröder and Edmund Stoiber, couldn’t be greater.

But not only do the two men differ. There is a striking rift between their two wives, too. When it comes to the Mrs. Stoiber and Schröder, the alternatives offer their own lesson in political sociology.

Family head vs. single mother

Enter stage right, Karin Stoiber, 60 years of age, in dark, well-cut suit or dirndl, the traditional Bavarian dress and sensible shoes. The former primary school teacher is mother of three children, and has two grandchildren.

Enter stage left, Doris Schröder-Kopf, 38, in slinky black number, red lips. A former journalist and recent book writer, Schröder-Kopf is the mother of an eleven-year-old daughter, Klara.

Berlin a "strange place"

A buxom figure in coiffed blonde hair, Karin Stoiber is the Bavarian catholic. With her traditionalist family views she is the incorporation of the saying "behind every successful man is a strong woman". And husband Edmund simply swears on her pork roast.

The Stoibers have been married for 34 years, and live in the small town of Wolfenhausen, Bavaria. During their marriage, when husband Edmund spent days and evenings in the Bavarian state parliament, wife and mother Karin stayed at home and cared for house, garden and children.

On Berlin, Karin Stoiber says "I have no ties to the city, it is still a strange place". And if Stoiber wins the coming elections? The would-be first lady still sees her life focus at home, in Wolfenshausen.

Single mother and Schröder’s fouth wife

If Karin Stoiber’s role as Bavaria's first lady is somewhat subdued, reduced to official appearances, sponsoring charity events and dinners, that of Doris Schröder-Kopf as first lady of the nation is much more active.

Kopf, who followed her first husband to New York and was left by him later with a small daughter, is Schröder’s fourth wife. The political journalist fell in love with the current Chancellor during the last election campaign.

According to Jürgen Hogrefe, publisher of a biography of Schröder, "there has never been a more influential political wife". Since her role as first lady, Kopf, who had to drop her profession as a journalist has published various articles, albeit carefully written, on topics ranging from education to nutrition, following the recent food crisis in Germany.

Despite obvious restraint in her articles, she has been the cause for controversy, not least due to her stance on adopting British-style schooling, urging parents to take on the responsibility for the upbringing of her children in a country which performed poorly in in the recent Pisa international education survey.

After the recent food scandal, Kopf wrote the lead story for the German tabloid "Bild," titled "What is safe to eat these days?" And on topics such as EU expansion, Kopf has called for the early entry of Turkey to the European Union, much to the suspicion of Greece.

Apart from writing commentaries, Schröder-Kopf has also taken on a substantial role in the Chancellor’s election campaign and in boosting his personal popularity. "I see myself as part of a team around Gerhard Schröder, people with whom my husband can speak openly", she said.

But when it comes to engagement, family life still has first priority.

It is due to daughter Klara that Kopf has decided to reduce her appearances at election rallies in the run-up to the September elections. "If you make an issue out of family life, then you should stick to your principles and not neglect that family" she said.

Traditionalist vs. modern

There is no question that Schröder-Kopf holds greater appeal to the more modern, younger voter. The former single mother (photo) is extremely popular with young families, especially after she published a book on politics for children several months ago.

However, Karin Stoibers conservatism may well appear all the more reassuring in times where the divorce rate and number of single mothers has never been so high - especially after September 11, with family ties and the current constant search for the lasting, the stable and the permanent.

So, as the elections near, the two first ladies may play a more substantial role in the outcome than previously assumed. Will it be Bavarian dirndls or the slinky black number? Restraint or going all out? Wolfenhausen or Hanover?

Karin or Doris?