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Henning Scherf
HenningScherf.jpg
Scherf as Mayor
President of the Senate and Mayor
of the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen
In office
4 July 1995 – 8 November 2005
Deputy
  • Ulrich Nölle
  • Hartmut Perschau
  • Peter Gloystein
  • Thomas Röwekamp
Preceded by Klaus Wedemeier
Succeeded by Jens Böhrnsen
Vice President of the Senate and Mayor
of the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen
In office
18 September 1985 – 11 December 1991
President
  • Klaus Wedemeier
Preceded by Moritz Thape
Succeeded by Claus Jäger
Personal details
Born (1938-10-31) 31 October 1938 (age 86)
Bremen, Free Hanseatic City of Bremen, Nazi Germany (now Germany)
Political party Social Democratic Party (1963–)
Spouse Luise Scherf
Children 3
Alma mater University of Freiburg
Free University of Berlin
Occupation
  • Politician
  • Lawyer
  • Actor

Henning Scherf (born 31 October 1938) is a German lawyer and politician. He was the President of the Senate and Mayor of Bremen from 1995 to 2005. He is a member of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD).

Early Life and Education

Henning Scherf was born in Bremen, Germany. He studied law and social sciences from 1958 to 1962. He attended universities in Berlin, Hamburg, and Freiburg. In 1968, he earned his law doctorate from the University of Hamburg. Before becoming a politician, he worked for a Protestant student organization.

Political Career

Scherf joined the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) in 1963. He started his political career after working as a lawyer in Bremen. In 1971, he was elected to the Bremer Bürgerschaft, which is the local parliament.

From 1978 to 2005, he was part of the Bremen Senate (the city's government). During this time, he held many important roles. He served as Senator for Finance, Youth and Social Issues, Health and Sport, and Education and Sciences. He was also the Senator of Law and Constitution.

Town board members of Bremen, Indiana, with mayor of Bremen, Germany, c1995
Scherf accepts an Indiana flag from members of the town council of Bremen, Indiana – 1986

In 1995, Henning Scherf was chosen as the President of the Senate and Mayor of Bremen. He was re-elected twice because he was very popular in Bremen. People admired his friendly nature and his height (he is 2 meters tall!). He was also known for his excellent diplomatic skills. He was very good at finding compromises and leading negotiations.

Scherf also led the "Vermittlungsausschuss." This committee helps solve disagreements about new laws between the "Bundesrat" and "Bundestag." These are the two main houses of the German parliament at the national level.

Many people wanted Scherf to run for the German Presidency (Bundespräsident). However, he decided not to, for family reasons.

Other Activities

Henning Scherf is involved in several other organizations:

  • He is a member of the Board of Trustees for the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research.
  • He is the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Gustav Heinemann Civic Award of the SPD.

Personal Life

Henning Scherf married his wife, Luise, in 1960. They have three children and nine grandchildren.

He is known for his unique habits. He often rides his bicycle to work instead of using a city car and driver. He also prefers to drink only warm water with his meals.

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