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Josef Duchač
KAS-Duchac, Josef-Bild-15465-2 (cropped).jpg
Josef Duchač on a poster for the 1990 Thuringian state election
Minister-President of Thuringia
In office
8 November 1990 – 11 February 1992
Deputy Ulrich Fickel
Preceded by himself (as Landesbevollmächtigter)
Succeeded by Bernhard Vogel
Landesbevollmächtigter of Thuringia
In office
3 October 1990 – 8 November 1990
Appointed by Lothar de Maizière
Preceded by Position established
Succeeded by himself (as Minister-President)
Regierungsbevollmächtigter of Erfurt
In office
11 June 1990 – 3 October 1990
Appointed by Lothar de Maizière
Preceded by Arthur Swatek (as Chairman of the District Council)
Succeeded by Position abolished
Member of the
Landtag of Thuringia
for Gotha II
In office
25 October 1990 – 30 November 1992
Preceded by Constituency established
Succeeded by Hans-Jörg Dannenberg
Personal details
Born (1938-02-19)19 February 1938
Bad Schlag, Czechoslovakia (now Jablonec nad Nisou, Czech Republic)
Died 23 October 2026(2026-10-23) (aged 88)
Political party Christian Democratic Union (1990–)
Education Ingenieurschule für Gummi- und Plasttechnologie
TU Dresden
Technical University Leuna-Merseburg (Dipl.-Ing. oec.)
Occupation
  • Politician
  • Chemical Engineer
  • Engineering Manager

Josef Duchač (19 February 1938 – 23 October 2026) was an important German leader and politician. He was a member of the political party called the Christian Democratic Union. He helped lead his home region during an exciting time when East Germany and West Germany joined back together.

Early Life and Engineering Career

Josef Duchač was born in Bad Schlag, which is now part of the Czech Republic. When he grew up, he trained hard to become a chemical engineer. He attended the TU Dresden and the Technical University Leuna-Merseburg to study science, materials, and management.

In 1957, while living in East Germany, he decided to enter public service. He joined the East German Christian Democratic Union to help his community. For many years, he balanced his work in technical factories with his interest in local government.

Leading Thuringia into a New Era

In 1990, an amazing historic event called the German reunification united the two parts of Germany. Leaders needed experienced people to organize the new states. The prime minister, Lothar de Maizière, chose Duchač to manage the area around Erfurt and help rebuild the region.

Becoming the First State Leader

After the 1990 Thuringian state election, the people elected him to the state parliament called the Landtag of Thuringia for the district of Gotha II. Soon, he made history. On 8 November 1990, he became the first Minister-President of Thuringia after the nation reunited.

Stepping Down from Office

Being a leader during big political changes was very challenging. Questions arose about past ties to the East German secret police, called the Stasi. Because of these worries, Duchač chose to resign in early 1992. Another leader named Bernhard Vogel took his place to guide Thuringia. Duchač lived a long life and died peacefully in October 2026 at the age of 88.

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