Early Life And Political Career

Wolfgang Schäuble: Former German Finance Minister and Political Stalwart

Early Life and Political Career

Wolfgang Schäuble was born on September 18, 1942, in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany. He studied law and political science before entering politics in 1972, when he was elected to the Bundestag, the German parliament. Schäuble quickly rose through the ranks of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), serving as parliamentary secretary and minister of special affairs under Chancellor Helmut Kohl.

Reunification and Finance Ministry

In 1990, Schäuble played a key role in negotiating the reunification of East and West Germany. As finance minister under Chancellor Angela Merkel from 2005 to 2017, he implemented austerity measures and oversaw Germany's response to the 2008 financial crisis. Schäuble's policies often sparked controversy, but he remained a respected figure in German politics.

Legacy and Influence

Wolfgang Schäuble died on December 29, 2023, at the age of 81. He left behind a complex legacy as a staunch conservative who also helped shape Germany's modern economic and political landscape. His influence will likely continue to be felt in German politics for years to come.

Personal Life

Wolfgang Schäuble was married to Ingeborg Schäuble, with whom he had two children. In 1990, he was seriously injured in an assassination attempt that left him paralyzed from the waist down. Schäuble remained active in politics after the attack, using a wheelchair to move around.