Walter Momper facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Walter Momper
Regierender Bürgermeister a.D.
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Momper at the Brandenburg Gate in 2007
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| Governing Mayor of Berlin (West Berlin to 3 October 1990) | |
| In office 16 March 1989 – 24 January 1991 |
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| President | Richard von Weizsäcker |
| Chancellor | Helmut Kohl |
| Deputy | Ingrid Stahmer |
| Preceded by | Eberhard Diepgen |
| Succeeded by | Eberhard Diepgen (Unified Berlin) |
| President of the Abgeordnetenhaus of Berlin | |
| In office 19 November 2001 – 27 October 2011 |
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| Preceded by | Reinhard Führer |
| Succeeded by | Ralf Wieland |
| Member of the Abgeordnetenhaus of Berlin | |
| In office 2 March 1975 – 18 September 2011 |
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| Constituency | Social Democratic Party List |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 21 February 1945 Sulingen, Lower Saxony, Germany |
| Political party | Social Democratic Party |
Walter Momper (born 21 February 1945) is a German politician. He was a member of the SPD (Social Democrats). He is best known for being the Governing Mayor of Berlin. He served as mayor first for West Berlin (1989–1990) and then for the reunited city (1990–1991). During his time as mayor, he was also the President of the Bundesrat (a council of German states) from 1989 to 1990. He was present when the Brandenburg Gate opened on 22 December 1989. On 3 October 1990, he became the first mayor of a united Berlin after the Berlin Wall fell.
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About Walter Momper
Walter Momper was born in Sulingen, near Bremen, in 1945. He went to school in Bremen. After finishing school in 1964, he studied political science, history, and economics. He studied at universities in Münster, Munich, and Berlin. He graduated in political science in 1969.
After his studies, he worked as a research assistant. He also worked as a research fellow at the Secret Prussian State Archives. From 1972 to 1986, he was a research associate and director at the Historical Commission in Berlin. Later, he also worked in business, which sometimes led to discussions about his roles.
His Political Journey
Walter Momper joined the SPD political party in 1967. From 1986 to 1992, he was the leader of the SPD in Berlin. He was also a member of the SPD National Executive from 1988 to 1993.
In 1975, Momper was elected to the Berlin House of Representatives. This is like Berlin's state parliament. By 1985, he became the leader of the SPD group there. In the 1989 elections in Berlin, the SPD won under Momper's leadership. The previous government, led by Eberhard Diepgen, lost by a lot.
On 16 March 1989, Walter Momper was elected as the Governing Mayor of Berlin. His government was a "Red-Green coalition." This meant the SPD (Red) worked with the Alternative List (AL), which was like the Green Party in Berlin. His government was the first in Germany to have more women than men.
The Berlin Wall and Reunification
A very important event happened during Momper's time as mayor. On the night of 9 to 10 November 1989, the Berlin Wall was opened. This was a huge moment for Germany and the world. Momper said he knew about the plans for the wall to open. He had talked with East German leaders before it happened.
Momper's famous words, "Berlin, now rejoice," were heard around the world. These words showed the happiness and excitement of the city. He helped bring the two parts of Berlin closer together. On 12 December 1989, he met with Hans Modrow, the Prime Minister of East Germany. They agreed to create a committee to help Berlin and the surrounding areas unite.
As Governing Mayor of Berlin, Momper was also the President of the Bundesrat. This role made him the deputy to the German president from November 1989 to October 1990.
Later Political Roles
Momper's government made some well-known decisions. They set a speed limit on the AVUS highway, where there had been no limit before. They also added more bus lanes for Berlin's public transport system.
A disagreement about a police action led to the end of his coalition government. Because of this, Momper led an SPD-only government into the next election in December 1990. The SPD lost this election to the CDU party. Eberhard Diepgen, Momper's predecessor, became mayor again in January 1991.
Momper remained the SPD state chairman for a while. He later resigned in 1992 to work in real estate. In 1995, he tried to become the SPD's main candidate for the Berlin elections again. However, he lost to Ingrid Stahmer. He then left the Berlin state assembly.
In 1999, he was elected back to the Chamber of Deputies. He became the vice president of the Chamber of Deputies. After the SPD became the strongest party in the 2001 elections, he was elected President of the Chamber of Deputies. He stayed in this position after the 2006 elections.
Walter Momper decided not to run for election again in 2011. He chaired his last meeting of the Chamber of Deputies on 1 September 2011.
Personal Life
Walter Momper is often recognized for wearing a red scarf. This scarf became known as the "Momper Scarf." He is married to Anne Momper and they have two children.
See also
In Spanish: Walter Momper para niños
