Longtime politician Bernhard Vogel passes away

In the heart of Germany, Thuringia—a state known for its cities Erfurt and Jena—has a rich political history. One of its most notable figures is Bernhard Vogel, who served as Minister-President for an unparalleled 23 years. No other politician has matched this remarkable tenure.

Vogel's political career began in Rhineland-Palatinate, where he served as Minister-President from 1976 to 1988. His tenure in Thuringia, however, cemented his place in German political history. From 1992 to 2003, Vogel was the head of government in Thuringia, guiding the state through significant changes.

The Christian Democratic Union (CDU), one of Germany's major political parties, has a special connection to Vogel. Currently led by Friedrich Merz, who took over the position in January 2022, Merz has voiced his admiration for Vogel. He described Vogel as a great politician and acknowledged his role in bringing East and West Germany closer together.

Merz's sentiments were echoed by Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the Federal President of Germany. Steinmeier praised Vogel as a passionate fighter for democracy, underscoring the importance of Vogel's contributions to the democratic process.

The role of a Minister-President in Germany is significant. They are elected by the members of the state parliament and are responsible for determining the policies of their state, often referred to as the "father of the state" or the "mother of the state." The Federal President, while holding the highest office, is not the most powerful politician, as they are rarely responsible for concrete decisions, but often give important speeches in which they can propose improvements for Germany.

Thuringia, located in the center of the country, is one of the eastern German states that joined the Federal Republic of Germany in 1990. The other eastern states include Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Brandenburg, Saxony-Anhalt, Saxony, and Rhineland-Palatinate, where Vogel served as Minister-President before his tenure in Thuringia.

As we reflect on Vogel's legacy, his dedication to democracy and his efforts to unite East and West Germany stand as testament to a remarkable political career. His contributions will continue to inspire future leaders in Germany and beyond.