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 on January 16, 1940, is a well-known German politician. He led the Social Democratic Party (SPD) twice. His first time as leader was from 2004 to 2005. He then led the party again from 2008 to 2009. From 2005 to 2007, he also served as Germany's Vice Chancellor and Minister of Labour and Social Affairs. He held these important roles in the government led by Chancellor Angela Merkel.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Franz Müntefering was born in Neheim, a town that is now part of Arnsberg. He trained to be an industrial salesman. Before becoming a politician, he worked for companies that made metal products in his local area.
Political Journey
Müntefering joined the SPD political party in 1966. He was a member of the Bundestag, which is Germany's parliament, for many years. He served there from 1975 to 1992, and then again starting in 1998.
Roles in State Government
From 1992 to 1995, Müntefering worked in the government of North Rhine-Westphalia. He was the State Minister for Labor, Health, and Social Affairs. After this, he was a member of the State Parliament of North Rhine-Westphalia from 1995 to 1998.
Leading the SPD Party
Müntefering became the executive director of the national SPD party from 1995 to 1998. In this role, he helped manage the 1998 election campaign. This campaign was very successful and helped the SPD return to power in the federal government after 16 years.
From 1998 to 1999, Müntefering briefly served as the Minister of Transportation and Construction. He worked in the first government led by Chancellor Gerhard Schröder. During this time, he helped organize the government's move from Bonn to Berlin.
He was also the first person to hold the new position of SPD Secretary General from 1999 to 2002. After that, he became the leader of the SPD group in the Bundestag.
Leading the SPD, 2004–2005
In June 2004, Franz Müntefering was chosen to become the new leader of the SPD party. He took over from Gerhard Schröder in July 2004.
After the close 2005 elections, the SPD did not win enough votes to form a government alone. Müntefering helped create a "grand coalition" government. This meant the SPD joined forces with Angela Merkel's center-right CDU/CSU parties.
During these talks, something unexpected happened. On October 31, 2005, the person Müntefering wanted to be the SPD's Secretary General lost an internal party vote. Because of this, Müntefering decided to step down as SPD Chairman. Matthias Platzeck then took over as party leader in November 2005.
Vice Chancellor and Minister, 2005–2007
On November 22, 2005, Müntefering became the Federal Minister of Labour and Social Affairs. He also became the Vice Chancellor in Angela Merkel's government. During his time in these roles, the government decided to gradually raise the retirement age from 65 to 67 by 2029.
After two years, Müntefering announced on November 13, 2007, that he would resign from his government positions. He explained that his decision was for "purely familial reasons." His wife, Ankepetra, was ill with cancer. He officially left office on November 21, 2007. Frank-Walter Steinmeier became the new Vice Chancellor, and Olaf Scholz took over as Minister of Labor. Both were also members of the SPD.
Leading the SPD Again, 2008–2009
Müntefering's wife, Ankepetra, passed away on July 31, 2008. After her death, Müntefering decided to return to active politics. He was elected Chairman of the Social Democratic Party of Germany again on October 18, 2008. This happened after Kurt Beck had resigned as SPD Chairman in September 2008.
After the SPD lost the federal election in 2009, Müntefering resigned from his position as party chairman.
Political Views
In April 2005, Franz Müntefering spoke about Germany's market economy. He suggested that the government should be more involved to help create economic fairness. In his speech, he described some private investment firms as "locusts." He later made a list of companies he called "locusts" and shared it within the SPD.
This started a big discussion that was in the news every day. Many employers and economists did not agree with Müntefering's ideas. However, many people supported his views, with some polls showing up to 75% public support. The word "locust" then became a common term in Germany for certain questionable financial practices.
Life After Politics
Since leaving active politics, Franz Müntefering has taken on many honorary roles. These are positions where he volunteers his time and experience. Some of these roles include:
- German Foundation for Active Citizenship and Volunteering (DSEE), Member of the Board of Trustees (since 2020)
- Berlin Demography Forum, chairman of the Advisory Board
- Friedrich Ebert Foundation (FES), Member
- Witten/Herdecke University, Member of the Board of Trustees (since 2014)
- Herbert and Greta Wehner Foundation, Member of the Board (since 2002)
- Deutsche Hospiz- und PalliativStiftung, Member of the Board of Trustees
- German National Association of Senior Citizens' Organizations (BAGSO), chairman since 2015
Müntefering was also a delegate for the SPD at the Federal Convention in 2017. This convention is held to elect the President of Germany.
See also
In Spanish: Franz Müntefering para niños
