Former German Interior Minister Gerhart Baum Dies at 94
BERLIN, Feb. 17, 2025 – Gerhart Baum, a prominent German politician who served as Interior Minister from 1978 to 1982, has died at the age of 94.
Baum, a member of the Free Democratic Party (FDP), was known for his liberal views and his commitment to human rights. During his tenure as Interior Minister, he oversaw the introduction of a number of reforms, including the legalization of abortion and the strengthening of data protection laws.
Baum was born in Dresden, Germany, in 1932. He studied law and political science at the University of Heidelberg and began his political career in the 1960s as a member of the FDP’s youth organization.
He was elected to the Bundestag, the German parliament, in 1972 and served as Chairman of the FDP’s parliamentary group from 1974 to 1978. In 1978, he was appointed Interior Minister in the coalition government led by Chancellor Helmut Schmidt.
As Interior Minister, Baum played a key role in the fight against terrorism and organized crime. He also oversaw the implementation of a number of important reforms, including:
- The legalization of abortion in 1976
- The strengthening of data protection laws in 1977
- The establishment of a national human rights commissioner in 1980
Baum resigned from his post as Interior Minister in 1982 following a disagreement with Schmidt over the handling of a terrorist attack. He remained active in politics and served as the FDP’s candidate for Chancellor in the 1987 federal election.
After retiring from politics, Baum continued to work as a human rights advocate. He was a member of the International Commission of Jurists and served as a judge on the European Court of Human Rights.
Baum was widely respected for his integrity, his commitment to human rights, and his willingness to stand up for his beliefs. He will be remembered as one of the most important and influential figures in German politics.
Ehemaliger Bundesinnenminister Gerhart Baum verstorben
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