Gerhart Baum: A life for freedom and democracy - an obituary

Gerhart Baum: A life for freedom and democracy - an obituary

Dresden, Deutschland - The death of Gerhart Baum, one of the most striking politicians in the FDP, caused grief on February 15, 2025. The former Interior Minister died at the age of 92, as his wife confirmed. Baum, who was Federal Minister of the Interior under Chancellor Helmut Schmidt from 1978 to 1982, was a key figure of the FDP's social -liberal wing and vehemently campaigned for civil rights and democratic values throughout his life. "We still have a stable democracy," he recently commented combative, despite his worries about growing right -wing extremism in Germany. This was reported Tagesschau.de .

Baum was born the son of a lawyer in Dresden and fled with his family after the air raid on the city in 1945. These traumatic experiences shaped his further life and his political attitude. He joined the FDP in 1954, where he soon became one of the leading heads. Especially during his term as Interior Minister, Baum faced the challenge of finding a balance between the state's security needs and the fundamental rights of the citizens. He completed the controversial radical decree and later argued against state surveillance as a lawyer and civil rights activist. His passionate argument for freedom and human rights brought him many awards, including the Federal Cross of Merit. As krone.at reported, Baum remained active and uncomfortable until old age, especially against tendencies, which in his opinion endangered democracy.

a legacy of the struggle for freedom

FDP boss Christian Lindner praised Baum as "one of the strongest voices for freedom, human rights and democracy" and was also emphasized his tireless efforts against the danger from right-wing radicalism. Baum always called for a return to the values of the Enlightenment and recently recalled that democracy in Germany was stable despite its challenges. In a moving life's work, he repeatedly opposed the doubts about the foundations of society and inspired many to actively work for fundamental rights. With the death of Gerhart Baum, Germany has lost a committed fighter for democracy, the voice of which will continue to live in the hearts of its fellow campaigners.