Theo Waigel

Theo Waigel, widely recognized as the ‘father of the Euro,’ played an instrumental role in European economic integration, particularly during his tenure as Federal Minister of Finance of Germany from 1989 to 1998. In this pivotal role within Chancellor Helmut Kohl’s Cabinet, he championed the new European currency, advocating for strict fiscal benchmarks and proposing the name ‘Euro’ itself, laying the groundwork for its successful introduction across Europe. His distinguished career in German politics commenced after earning his doctorate in 1967. He was elected a Member of the Bundestag for Neu-Ulm in 1972, serving until 2002, and held early parliamentary leadership as the CDU/CSU parliamentary group’s spokesperson on economic affairs from 1980 to 1982, before becoming deputy chairman of the group until 1989.

He contributed his expertise to several major companies, notably serving as an independent compliance monitor for Accor, Alcatel, and Siemens from 2009 to 2012. His post-political contributions further included positions on the Supervisory Board of AachenMünchener Lebensversicherung AG and Bayerische Gewerbebau AG, as well as holding trusteeships for various academic and cultural institutions. In recognition of his enduring impact on German politics and European integration, Theo Waigel was appointed Honorary Chairman of the Christian Social Union in 2009, a testament to his lasting legacy. His career reflects a deep understanding of economic policy and parliamentary processes, establishing him as a leading figure in the shaping of modern Germany and the European Union.