As a federal minister, member of parliament, and later president of the Bundestag, Rita Süssmuth shaped German federal politics for nearly two decades. Her entry into politics was a surprise. When the young professor from Dortmund was appointed to Chancellor Helmut Kohl's cabinet in 1985, very few people knew her. Süssmuth quickly became well-known and popular. Named "Woman of the Year 1987," she was considered the most popular politician in the republic for a decade. As a young newcomer, she was a refreshing change from the traditional politician type in Bonn. However, with her media-savvy agenda and sometimes provocative appearances, she consistently faced resistance and envy from within her own ranks and ultimately found more support among the public than within her own party. Johanna Klatt explores this in her study on politics.