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Walter Wallmann
Bundesarchiv B 145 Bild-F044088-0023, Bonn, Guillaume Untersuchungsausschuss Bundestag.jpg
Mayor of Frankfurt
In office
1977–1986
Preceded by Rudi Arndt
Succeeded by Wolfram Brück
Minister President of Hesse
In office
23 April 1987 – 5 April 1991
Preceded by Holger Börner
Succeeded by Hans Eichel
President of the Bundesrat
In office
15 May 1987 – 31 October 1987
Preceded by Holger Börner
Succeeded by Bernhard Vogel
Personal details
Born (1932-09-24)24 September 1932
Uelzen, Prussia, Germany
Died 21 September 2013(2013-09-21) (aged 80)
Frankfurt, Germany
Political party CDU

Walter Wallmann (born September 24, 1932 – died September 21, 2013) was an important German politician. He was a member of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party. Wallmann served as the Mayor of Frankfurt from 1977 to 1986. Later, he became the Minister-president of Hesse from 1987 to 1991.

Early Life & Political Start

Walter Wallmann was born in Uelzen, Germany. He studied law and became a lawyer. His political career began when he joined the CDU party.

Joining the State Parliament

In 1966, Wallmann was elected to the Landtag of Hesse. This is the state parliament for Hesse. He was re-elected in 1970.

Serving in the Bundestag

In 1972, Wallmann was elected to the Bundestag. This is Germany's national parliament. He was elected again in 1976.

Mayor of Frankfurt

In 1977, Walter Wallmann became the Mayor of Frankfurt. At that time, the mayor was not chosen directly by voters. Instead, the city council elected the mayor.

A New Political Era

Before Wallmann, the SPD had governed Frankfurt for a long time. When the CDU won the city elections in 1977, it was a big change. Wallmann's election marked a new chapter for the city.

City Development & Challenges

During his time as mayor, Wallmann faced challenges in Frankfurt. There were discussions about city development and how to use land. He worked to improve the city for its residents.

Saving the Old Opera House

One important decision involved the Alte Oper (Old Opera House). This building was damaged during World War II. Some people wanted to tear it down. Wallmann supported rebuilding it instead. Today, it is a famous concert hall.

Federal Environment Minister

From 1986 to 1987, Walter Wallmann took on a new role. He became Germany's first Federal Minister for Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety.

Creating a New Ministry

This new ministry was created by Chancellor Helmut Kohl. It was formed in response to the Chernobyl disaster. This event showed how important it was to protect the environment.

Important Environmental Laws

As Environment Minister, Wallmann helped create new laws. One law changed car taxes to encourage cleaner cars. Another law dealt with detergents to protect water. These laws helped improve environmental protection in Germany.

Minister President of Hesse

After his time as Environment Minister, Wallmann became the Minister-president of Hesse. He held this top position in the state government from 1987 to 1991.

Leading the Bundesrat

While serving as Minister-president, he also held another important role. From May to October 1987, he was the President of the Bundesrat. The Bundesrat is a body where German states work together.

Legacy

Walter Wallmann passed away on September 21, 2013. He is remembered for his long career in German politics. He played key roles in local, state, and federal government. His work helped shape environmental policies and urban development in Germany.

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