Bernhard Vogel, the only politician in Germany’s post-war era to serve as Prime Minister in two federal states, has passed away at the age of 92. The Konrad Adenauer Foundation, where he was honorary chairman, confirmed the news, marking the end of a career that spanned decades and left a lasting impact on German politics.
A Life Dedicated to Public Service
Vogel served as Minister-President of Rhineland-Palatinate from 1976 to 1988, following in the footsteps of future Chancellor Helmut Kohl. After German reunification, he embarked on a second chapter in his career, governing Thuringia from 1992 to 2003. His tenure in both states was marked by strong leadership, often commanding absolute majorities, and he holds the record for the longest total time in office as a state leader—23 years across Mainz and Erfurt.
A key figure in the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Vogel was a member of its federal executive board for over four decades. His influence extended beyond politics, as he also led the CDU-affiliated Konrad Adenauer Foundation for many years, shaping conservative thought and democratic discourse.
Tributes to a Statesman
Political figures from across Germany paid tribute to Vogel’s legacy. Bodo Ramelow, Thuringia’s former Prime Minister, praised his commitment to putting the country before party interests, citing his famous phrase: “First the country, then the party.” CDU politician Norbert Lammert lauded Vogel’s ability to foster democratic debate and strengthen Germany’s reunification process.
Even former Chancellor Angela Merkel recognized Vogel’s political uniqueness, once writing that his career achievements were unlikely to be repeated. Until his final years, he remained active in political discussions, continuing to attend CDU events and engage in intellectual debates.
A Career Interwoven with History
Vogel’s political journey began in the 1960s and was closely linked to Helmut Kohl. After serving briefly in the Bundestag, he was appointed Minister of Education in Rhineland-Palatinate in 1967. During this period, he championed the transition from denominational schools to Christian community schools, a significant educational reform.
In 1974, Vogel succeeded Kohl as CDU regional leader, overcoming Heiner Geißler in a contentious internal power struggle. Two years later, he took over as Prime Minister of Rhineland-Palatinate. However, a power shift within the CDU led to his resignation in 1988, after which he assumed leadership of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.
Reunification provided a new opportunity for Vogel, who described his transition from West to East as a bold challenge: “Mainz was a risk. Thuringia was an adventure.” As Minister-President of Thuringia from 1992 to 2003, he played a critical role in integrating the state into reunified Germany, helping to stabilize its political and economic foundations.
A Witness to Tragedy and Resilience
Throughout his tenure, Vogel experienced both triumphs and tragedies. He often recalled two defining moments: the 1988 air show disaster in Ramstein, which resulted in numerous casualties, and the 2002 school shooting in Erfurt, a tragedy that deeply affected him during his time as Thuringia’s leader.
Beyond politics, Vogel was a scholar at heart. Born on December 19, 1932, in Göttingen and raised in Giessen, he initially aspired to become a university professor. However, as he once admitted, he could never say whether he would have been as successful in academia as he was in politics.
A Legacy That Endures
Bernhard Vogel’s contributions to German democracy, both in the West and the East, cement his place as one of the country’s most influential post-war politicians. His steadfast leadership, commitment to democratic values, and dedication to national unity leave behind a legacy that will not be forgotten.
Source:https://www.t-online.de/
