It is with deep sadness, Liberal International announces the passing of our former Vice President and Patron Dr. Wolfgang Gerhardt, distinguished liberal and German statesman who died today at the age of 80.

Dr. Gerhardt’s political career spanned several decades, underlined by his deep commitment to liberalism, intellectual rigor, and steadfast leadership within LI full member Free Democratic Party (FDP) on both the national and international stage.

As a vice president of Liberal international (2002-2021) he served under three LI presidents – Annemie Neyts-Uyttebroeck, John Alderdice, and Hans van Baalen – during which time he was appointed chairman of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF- LI cooperating organisation), all before being appointed as a patron of Liberal International.

As the leader of the FDP’s parliamentary faction from 1998 to 2006 and the party’s Federal Chairman from 1995 to 2001, Dr. Gerhardt played a pivotal role in guiding the party through challenging times, earning the admiration and respect of his peers. “He was never a power politician, but remained a well-read, fine, and generous person even in top positions,” FDP leader Christian Lindner said in tribute, noting that Gerhardt’s leadership held the party together through difficult phases. “We owe him a great deal of gratitude.”

Born in 1943, Dr. Gerhardt completed his doctorate in pedagogics, political science, and German language and literature studies in Marburg. His career in public service began in Hesse, where he served as Personal Assistant to the Minister of the Interior, eventually rising to the position of Head of the Minister’s Office. In 1978, he was elected to the Parliament of Hesse for the FDP, leading its parliamentary faction from 1983 to 1987 and again from 1991 to 1994. From 1987 to 1991, he served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Science and Arts in Hesse, a testament to his deep interest in promoting education and the arts.

Dr Wolfgang Gerhardt, 31 December 1943 – 13 September 2024