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February 16, 2025
Former Federal Minister of the Interior and FDP politician Gerhart Baum has passed away at the age of 92. His death marks the end of an era and leaves a void in the German political landscape. Baum was not only a defining figure of the Free Democratic Party, but also an unyielding voice for freedom, human rights, and democracy, respected far beyond party lines.
Gerhart Baum's political career began in North Rhine-Westphalia, where he entered the state parliament. In 1972, he made the leap to the Bundestag. As Federal Minister of the Interior under Helmut Schmidt from 1978 to 1982, he shaped German domestic policy during a turbulent period marked by RAF terrorism. After the end of the social-liberal coalition in 1982, Baum remained loyal to the FDP and served as deputy party chairman until 1991. Even after leaving the Bundestag, he remained politically active and repeatedly spoke out on current social and political issues.
Particularly noteworthy is his tireless commitment to civil rights. Together with colleagues like Burkhard Hirsch and Sabine Leutheusser-Schnarrenberger, he led successful constitutional complaints against government surveillance measures, including the "Großer Lauschangriff" (major wiretapping operation), data retention, and the Aviation Security Act. His commitment to the protection of fundamental rights made him an important advocate for freedom in Germany.
Gerhart Baum was known for his independent thinking and was not afraid to criticize even within his own party. He publicly expressed criticism of the FDP's course under Christian Lindner, particularly regarding the withdrawal from the traffic light coalition and fiscal policy. Despite his critical stance, he remained committed to the FDP and emphasized the importance of a strong liberal party in Germany.
The death of Gerhart Baum triggered numerous reactions from the political sphere. FDP leader Christian Lindner paid tribute to him as an "independent personality with critical judgment" and emphasized his contributions to the liberal family. Chancellor Olaf Scholz described Baum as a "great liberal and committed democrat" who had rendered outstanding services to Germany until the very end.
Gerhart Baum leaves behind an important political legacy. His constant advocacy for freedom, democracy, and civil rights remains an inspiration for future generations. His critical mind and independent thinking will be missed in the German political landscape.
Sources: - https://www1.wdr.de/nachrichten/gerhart-baum-ist-tot-100.html - https://www.zdf.de/nachrichten/politik/deutschland/gerhart-baum-tod-fdp-politiker-innenminister-100.html - https://www.mdr.de/nachrichten/deutschland/politik/gerhart-baum-tot-gestorben-fdp-innenminister-dresden-100.html - https://www.rbb24.de/politik/beitrag/2025/02/gerhart-baum-fdp-politiker-verstorben-ex-bundesinnenminister.html - https://www.spiegel.de/politik/gerhart-baum-ist-tot-ehemaliger-fdp-politiker-und-innenminister-gestorben-a-450db24c-6090-4c77-934c-728d8bd7abbc - https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/article255445410/FDP-Politiker-Frueherer-Innenminister-Gerhart-Baum-gestorben.html - https://www.focus.de/politik/deutschland/innenminister-unter-helmut-schmidt-fdp-grande-gerhart-baum-ist-tot_id_260724586.html - https://www.br.de/nachrichten/deutschland-welt/frueherer-innenminister-gerhart-baum-ist-tot,UcsNN2j - https://www.handelsblatt.com/politik/deutschland/fdp-politiker-ehemaliger-innenminister-gerhart-baum-ist-tot/100107912.html