Christian Schmidt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Christian Schmidt
|
|||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Schmidt in 2024
|
|||||||||||||
| High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina | |||||||||||||
| Assumed office 1 August 2021 |
|||||||||||||
| Preceded by | Valentin Inzko | ||||||||||||
| Minister of Transport and Digital Infrastructure | |||||||||||||
|
Acting
|
|||||||||||||
| In office 24 October 2017 – 14 March 2018 |
|||||||||||||
| Chancellor | Angela Merkel | ||||||||||||
| Preceded by | Alexander Dobrindt | ||||||||||||
| Succeeded by | Andreas Scheuer | ||||||||||||
| Minister of Food and Agriculture | |||||||||||||
| In office 17 February 2014 – 14 March 2018 |
|||||||||||||
| Chancellor | Angela Merkel | ||||||||||||
| Preceded by | Hans-Peter Friedrich | ||||||||||||
| Succeeded by | Julia Klöckner | ||||||||||||
| Parliamentary State Secretary in the Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development |
|||||||||||||
| In office 17 December 2013 – 17 February 2014 |
|||||||||||||
| Minister | Gerd Müller | ||||||||||||
| Preceded by | Gudrun Kopp | ||||||||||||
| Succeeded by | Thomas Silberhorn | ||||||||||||
| Parliamentary State Secretary in the Ministry of Defence |
|||||||||||||
| In office 23 November 2005 – 17 December 2013 |
|||||||||||||
| Minister | Franz Josef Jung Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg Thomas de Maizière |
||||||||||||
| Preceded by | Walter Kolbow | ||||||||||||
| Succeeded by | Ralf Brauksiepe | ||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||
| Personal details | |||||||||||||
| Born | 26 August 1957 Obernzenn, Bavaria, West Germany |
||||||||||||
| Political party | Christian Social Union | ||||||||||||
| Spouse |
Ria Hess
(m. 1989) |
||||||||||||
| Children | 2 | ||||||||||||
| Alma mater | University of Erlangen (LLB) | ||||||||||||
| Profession | Lawyer | ||||||||||||
Christian Schmidt, born on August 26, 1957, is a German politician. He has held important roles in Germany and internationally. Since August 2021, he has been the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina. This is a special international role that helps guide the country. Before this, he was Germany's Minister of Food and Agriculture from 2014 to 2018. He also served in the German Parliament, called the Bundestag, for many years. His work as High Representative has involved making decisions about rules and elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina. These decisions have received both support and discussion.
Early Life and Education
Christian Schmidt grew up in Germany. He finished high school in 1976. After that, he served in the German Army. He then went to university to study law in 1977. He completed his law studies in 1985. For many years, he worked as a lawyer. He continued this work until he took on a government role in 2005.
Political Career
Starting His Journey in Politics
Christian Schmidt became interested in politics when he was a student. In 1973, he joined the Young Union, a youth group linked to the CSU party. He officially became a member of the CSU party in 1976. He held several leadership roles in the youth group. From 1984 to 1990, he served as a town councilor in his hometown. He also worked on the District Council. Later, he became the chairman of the CSU-District Association in Fuerth. He also led groups focused on foreign policy and European affairs.
Serving in the German Parliament
In 1990, Christian Schmidt was elected to the Bundestag. This is Germany's national parliament. He represented the area of Fürth. For many years, he led groups focused on foreign affairs, defense, and European policy. He also spoke for his party on defense matters.
He helped build friendships between Germany and other countries. He chaired groups like the German-Israeli and German-British Parliamentary Friendship Groups. He also worked on important treaties, like the "Good Neighbour" Treaty with Poland. He was chosen to be a candidate for parliament many times. In the 2009 elections, he received strong support from voters.
Working in the Ministry of Defence
In 2005, Chancellor Angela Merkel appointed Christian Schmidt. He became a Parliamentary State Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Defence. In this role, he represented the government in parliament. He worked with three different Defence Ministers.
He helped create a foundation to support soldiers. This foundation cared for those affected by their service. He also helped set up the "Hardship Fund" in 2012. This fund gives extra help to soldiers seriously injured while on duty. It provides support beyond regular laws. He also helped guide the German armed forces during a time of change. He remained in his role even when a Defence Minister resigned in 2011.
From 2011 to 2017, he was also a deputy chairman of the CSU party. He spoke for his party on foreign and security matters. He also helped build relationships with other parties in Europe.
Leading Food and Agriculture
.jpg)
From 2014 to 2018, Christian Schmidt was Germany's Federal Minister of Food and Agriculture. He worked in Chancellor Angela Merkel's government. During this time, he helped farmers. When milk prices dropped in 2016, he provided financial aid to dairy farmers.
He also dealt with animal health issues. For example, Germany had to take steps to control bird flu between 2016 and 2017. In 2017, there was a disagreement about a vote in the European Union. This vote was about extending the use of a certain plant protection product. Mr. Schmidt voted in favor, which went against an agreement within the German government. This caused some discussion among politicians.
After His Ministerial Role
After leaving his role as Minister, Christian Schmidt continued his work in parliament. He served on committees dealing with foreign affairs and the United Nations. In 2019, he helped prepare for the 30th anniversary of German reunification. This was a big event for Germany. In June 2021, he decided not to run for parliament again. He planned to step away from active politics.
High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina
.jpg)
In 2021, Christian Schmidt was chosen for a very important international job. He became the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina. This role involves helping to ensure peace and stability in the country. He took over from Valentin Inzko on August 1, 2021.
In November 2021, he reported to the United Nations. He highlighted the need for continued international support in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He also made changes to the country's election laws in 2022. These changes aimed to improve the election process. Some of these changes were met with protests and discussions.
Challenges in His Role
Some countries, like Russia and China, did not agree with his appointment. They did not recognize his authority in the role. Also, some political leaders within Bosnia and Herzegovina disagreed with his decisions.
For example, in April 2023, he made a special decision to help form a new government. This decision was seen as necessary by some, but others believed it went against the country's rules. In June 2023, he had to cancel some laws passed by a regional assembly. He stated these laws went against the peace agreement for Bosnia and Herzegovina. In March 2024, he introduced new election rules. These included using electronic voting in some places. This also led to strong reactions from some leaders.
Resignation from High Representative Role
On May 11, 2026, Christian Schmidt announced his resignation as High Representative. He will continue in his role until a new person is appointed to take over.
Other Activities
Christian Schmidt has been involved in many other organizations. These roles often focus on international relations and public service.
Corporate Boards
- Deutsche Bahn, Member of the Supervisory Board (since 2018)
- KfW, Member of the Supervisory Board (2014–2018)
- Landwirtschaftliche Rentenbank, Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board (2014–2018)
Non-profit Organizations
- Leo Baeck Foundation, Member of the Board of Trustees
- Society for Defense and Security Policy (GfW), Member of the Board of Trustees
- German Atlantic Society, President (since 2006)
- Society for Christian-Jewish Cooperation, Co-Chairman (since 2013)
- German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP), Chairman of the Czech Republic Discussion Group
- Coordination Council for German-Czech Dialogue, Member of the Board
- Foundation for the Examination of the Dictatorship in East Germany, Member of the Board of Trustees
- American Jewish Committee in Berlin, Member of the Advisory Board
- Hanns Seidel Foundation, Deputy Chairman of the Board
- Help for Self-Help e.V., Honorary Member of the Board
- Comrades Association of Alpine Troops in Munich, Member
- German Foundation for Peace Research (DSF), Ex-Officio Member of the Board of Trustees (2009–2013)
- Centre for International Peace Operations (ZIF), Ex-Officio Member of the Supervisory Board (2009–2013)
- Car and Travel Club Germany (ARCD), Member of the Presidium (1993–2007)
- Free World Commission, Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security (Atlantic Council), Member (2020–)
Recognition
- 2004 – Commander of the Order of Three Stars for the Republic of Latvia
- 2005 – Commander for the Order of Merit for the Republic of Lithuania
- 2005 – Cross of the Order of Merit for the Federal Republic of Germany
- 2007 – Bavarian Distinguished Service Award
- 2012 – Honourable Accolade of the First Degree for National Defence, Hungary
- 2013 – Order of Ante Starčević, Croatia
See also
In Spanish: Christian Schmidt para niños
