Federal government: unusual careers: career changers in the federal government

With the presentation of the expected union cabinet members, personalities come into the spotlight who have professional career outside of classic politics. Course entrants such as the MediaMarkt-Saturn boss Karsten Wildberger and the media entrepreneur Wolfram Weimer have often been around. An overview:

Horst Köhler (CDU) – Economist as head of state

In 2004, the then CDU boss and later Chancellor Angela Merkel enforced Horst Köhler’s election as the Federal President. The doctoral student rises to the highest state office without a party policy career. Köhler had previously worked as President of the Sparkassenverband and as managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). In 2010, Köhler resigned from his office prematurely.

Siegfried Balke (CSU) – chemist and industrial manager

Siegfried Balke was a doctorate in chemists and led a German chemical group before his political career. In 1953 he was appointed Federal Minister for Post and Telecommunications without prior party membership and only then joins the CSU. Later he takes over the Federal Ministry for Nuclear issues (later atomic nuclear energy and water management).

Werner Müller (non -party) – transverse entry into the Ministry of Economic Affairs

Werner Müller, previously self -employed industrialist and consultant of the then Lower Saxony Prime Minister Gerhard Schröder, was made by Chancellor Schröder in 1998 without party affiliation as the Federal Minister of Economics and Technology.

The doctorate in the economy and former manager from the energy industry in particular brings business -related perspectives into government work. As a result of the resignation of Oskar Lafontaines, he briefly also held the office of Federal Minister of Finance. After the end of his political activity, Müller moved to leading positions within the German economy again in 2003.

Michael Naumann – publicist as Minister of Culture

In 1999 Michael Naumann was appointed the first representative of the Federal Government for Culture and Media. The doctor of political scientists and long -time journalist – including editor -in -chief and editor of the weekly newspaper “Die Zeit” – entered the office without a previous party -political career. During his tenure, he campaigned for the establishment of the monument for the murdered Jews of Europe. At the end of 2000, Naumann resigned and returns to journalism.

Walter Riester – trade unionist becomes Minister of Labor

Walter Riester was appointed Federal Minister of Labor and Social Affairs in 1998 without prior Bundestag mandate. The trained tiler and long -time trade unionist, most recently deputy chairman of IG Metall, bring his experience from the employee representative to federal politics. However, he has been in the SPD since 1969. As a minister, he initiated the Riester pension named after him to the state-funded private pension. It was only in 2002 that he regularly moved into the Bundestag.

Rita Süssmuth – scientist with a political late entry

In 1985 Rita Süssmuth was appointed Federal Minister of Youth, Family and Health. The doctoral education scientist and long -time professor entered the CDU in 1981 and then takes over a government office without prior parliamentary experience. During her term, she campaigned for an open AIDS education and equality of women. In 1988 she was elected President of the Bundestag and remains in office until 1998.

Ursula Lehr – gerontologist at the head of family policy

Ursula Lehr was appointed Federal Minister for Youth, Family, Women and Health in 1988 by the then Chancellor Helmut Kohl (CDU). The doctorate and pioneer in gerontology only entered the CDU in 1986 and thus assumes a government office without previous parliamentary experience. As a minister, she is committed to a modern family policy and initiates the Federal Government’s first altitude report. In 1990 she became a member of the Bundestag. After leaving politics, she founded the German Center for Aging Research in 1995.