Franz Müntefering facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Franz Müntefering
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Müntefering in 2018
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| Leader of the Social Democratic Party | |
| In office 18 October 2008 – 13 November 2009 |
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| General Secretary | Hubertus Heil |
| Preceded by | Kurt Beck |
| Succeeded by | Sigmar Gabriel |
| In office 21 March 2004 – 16 November 2005 |
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| General Secretary | Klaus Uwe Benneter |
| Preceded by | Gerhard Schröder |
| Succeeded by | Matthias Platzeck |
| Vice Chancellor of Germany | |
| In office 22 November 2005 – 21 November 2007 |
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| President | Horst Köhler |
| Chancellor | Angela Merkel |
| Preceded by | Joschka Fischer |
| Succeeded by | Frank-Walter Steinmeier |
| Minister of Labour and Social Affairs | |
| In office 22 November 2005 – 21 November 2007 |
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| Chancellor | Angela Merkel |
| Preceded by | Wolfgang Clement |
| Succeeded by | Olaf Scholz |
| General Secretary of the Social Democratic Party | |
| In office 7 December 1999 – 20 October 2002 |
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| Leader | Gerhard Schröder |
| Preceded by | Office established |
| Succeeded by | Olaf Scholz |
| Managing Director of the Social Democratic Party | |
| In office 6 September 1999 – 13 December 1999 |
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| Leader | Gerhard Schröder |
| Preceded by | Ottmar Schreiner |
| Succeeded by | Matthias Machnig |
| In office 16 October 1995 – 2 November 1998 |
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| Leader | Oskar Lafontaine |
| Preceded by | Günter Verheugen |
| Succeeded by | Ottmar Schreiner |
| Minister of Transport, Building and Urban Affairs | |
| In office 27 October 1998 – 29 September 1999 |
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| Chancellor | Gerhard Schröder |
| Preceded by | Eduard Oswald |
| Succeeded by | Reinhard Klimmt |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 16 January 1940 Neheim, Free State of Prussia |
| Political party | Social Democratic |
| Spouses | Renate (m. 1960s; div. 1990s) Ankepetra Rettich
(m. 1995; died 2008)Michelle Schumann
(m. 2009) |
| Occupation |
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| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Germany |
| Branch/service |  Bundeswehr |
| Years of service | 1961–1961 |
| Unit |  German Army (Heer) /Mechanized infantry (Panzergrenadiertruppe) |
Franz Müntefering (born 16 January 1940) is a well-known German politician. He was a leader of the Social Democratic Party (SPD). This is one of Germany's main political groups.
He served as the party's chairman two times. First, from 2004 to 2005, and then again from 2008 to 2009. Mr. Müntefering also held important government jobs. He was the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs. He also served as the Vice Chancellor of Germany. This was under Chancellor Angela Merkel from 2005 to 2007.
Early Life and Education
Franz Müntefering was born in a town called Neheim. Today, Neheim is part of Arnsberg.
He trained to be a salesman for industrial products. After his training, he worked for companies that made metal goods in his local area.
Political Journey
Franz Müntefering joined the SPD political party in 1966. He became a member of the Bundestag (Germany's parliament) in 1975. He served there until 1992. He returned to the Bundestag in 1998.
Working in North Rhine-Westphalia
From 1992 to 1995, Mr. Müntefering worked in the government of North Rhine-Westphalia. This is a large state in Germany. He was the State Minister for Labor, Health, and Social Affairs. From 1995 to 1998, he was also a member of the state parliament there.
Leading the SPD Party
From 1995 to 1998, Müntefering was the executive director of the SPD party. In this role, he helped run the party's campaign in 1998. This campaign helped the SPD win the federal election. It was the first time they were in power in 16 years.
Minister of Transportation and Construction
From 1998 to 1999, he was the Minister of Transportation and Construction. This was in the first government led by Chancellor Gerhard Schröder. He helped organize the move of the German government. It moved from the city of Bonn to Berlin.
SPD Secretary General and Parliamentary Leader
In 1999, a new job was created in the SPD: Secretary General. Franz Müntefering was the first person to hold this position. He served until 2002. After that, he became the leader of the SPD group in the Bundestag.
Becoming SPD Chairman (2004–2005)
In June 2004, Mr. Müntefering was chosen to become the chairman of the SPD party. He took over from Gerhard Schröder in July 2004.
After the 2005 elections, the SPD did not win enough votes to govern alone. Mr. Müntefering helped form a "grand coalition" government. This meant the SPD joined forces with Angela Merkel's center-right parties (CDU/CSU).
During these talks, something happened within the SPD. On October 31, 2005, the person Müntefering wanted as Secretary General lost an internal party vote. Because of this, he decided to step down as SPD Chairman. Matthias Platzeck took his place in November 2005.
Vice Chancellor and Minister (2005–2007)
On November 22, 2005, Franz Müntefering became the Federal Minister of Labour and Social Affairs. He also became the Vice Chancellor of Germany. These were important roles in Angela Merkel's government.
While he was in office, the government made a big decision. They agreed to slowly raise the retirement age. It would go from 65 to 67 by the year 2029.
In November 2007, Mr. Müntefering announced he would leave his government jobs. He said it was for "purely familial reasons." Later, he explained that his wife, Ankepetra, was very ill with cancer. He left office on November 21, 2007. Frank-Walter Steinmeier became Vice Chancellor. Olaf Scholz became Minister of Labor. Both were also from the SPD.
Returning as SPD Chairman (2008–2009)
Franz Müntefering's wife, Ankepetra, passed away on July 31, 2008. After her death, he decided to return to politics. On October 18, 2008, he was elected Chairman of the SPD again. This happened after Kurt Beck had resigned from the role.
After the SPD lost the federal election in 2009, Mr. Müntefering resigned from his position as party chairman.
Political Views
In April 2005, Franz Müntefering spoke about Germany's economy. He said the government should be more involved to make things fairer. He famously called some private investment firms "locusts." He meant they were like insects that destroy crops. He felt they were harming the economy.
This started a big discussion in Germany. Many people agreed with him. The word "locust" even became a common term in German. It is used to describe unfair financial practices.
Life After Politics
Since leaving active politics, Franz Müntefering has held many honorary positions. These are volunteer roles where he helps different organizations.
- He is a member of the Board of Trustees for the German Foundation for Active Citizenship and Volunteering.
- He chairs the Advisory Board for the Berlin Demography Forum.
- He is a member of the Friedrich Ebert Foundation.
- He is on the Board of Trustees for Witten/Herdecke University.
- He is a board member for the Herbert and Greta Wehner Foundation.
- He is also a trustee for the Deutsche Hospiz- und PalliativStiftung.
- Since 2015, he has been the chairman of the German National Association of Senior Citizens' Organizations (BAGSO).
In 2017, Mr. Müntefering was a representative at the Federal Convention. This group meets to elect the President of Germany.
See also
In Spanish: Franz Müntefering para niños
