Franz Müntefering
© Arne Poehnert
Franz Müntefering, born in Neheim in Sauerland in 1940, was a member of the Bundestag for many years, former parliamentary party leader and federal chairman of the SPD, which he joined in 1966, cabinet minister and former vice-chancellor. He didn't meet his father until he came home from captivity as a prisoner of war when he six years old. He joined IG Metall's trade union at an early age, working his way up to become federal executive director and secretary general of the SPD. He was elected party chairman twice (2004-2005 and 2008-2009). He withdrew from politics when his second wife got cancer, to care for her until she died. Awards included the 2023 August Bebel Prize in 2023. Even in old age, Franz Müntefering still actively fights for democracy and the interests of senior citizens. He made a name for himself as an author too, his most recent book's titled is: Take life as it is, but don't leave it that way.