# Guido Westerwelle

> German politician (FDP), Foreign Minister of Germany (1961-2016)

**Wikidata**: [Q58284](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q58284)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guido_Westerwelle)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/guido-westerwelle

## Summary
Guido Westerwelle was a German politician who served as Foreign Minister of Germany from 1961 to 2016, representing the Free Democratic Party (FDP). He was a prominent figure in German foreign policy and held key leadership roles in the Second Merkel cabinet.

## Biography
- Born: [date and place not specified in source material]
- Nationality: German
- Education: Lawyer, educated at University of Bonn and FernUniversität in Hagen
- Known for: Long-term service as Foreign Minister and leadership in German foreign policy
- Employer(s): Free Democratic Party (FDP), Atlantik-Brücke, Young Liberals
- Field(s): Politics, international relations

## Contributions
Guido Westerwelle served as Foreign Minister of Germany from 1961 to 2016, overseeing significant periods of German foreign policy. He was a key figure in the Second Merkel cabinet (2009–2013), contributing to German diplomacy during that time. Westerwelle was also affiliated with political think tanks such as Atlantik-Brücke and the Young Liberals, which supported his political career and ideological alignment with liberal and free-market principles.

## FAQs
**What political party was Guido Westerwelle affiliated with?**
Guido Westerwelle was a member of the Free Democratic Party (FDP), a liberal-conservative political party in Germany.

**Where did Guido Westerwelle work before becoming Foreign Minister?**
Before becoming Foreign Minister, Westerwelle was affiliated with Atlantik-Brücke, a political and economic think tank, and the Young Liberals, the youth wing of the FDP.

**Which cabinet did Guido Westerwelle serve in as Foreign Minister?**
Westerwelle served in the Second Merkel cabinet, which was headed by Chancellor Angela Merkel from 2009 to 2013.

**What was Guido Westerwelle's educational background?**
Westerwelle was a lawyer educated at the University of Bonn and FernUniversität in Hagen.

**What awards did Guido Westerwelle receive?**
Westerwelle received awards such as the Orden wider den tierischen Ernst, the European handicraft prize, the Order of Merit of North Rhine-Westphalia, and was named Tie Man of the Year.

## Why They Matter
Guido Westerwelle's long tenure as Foreign Minister (1961–2016) made him a central figure in German foreign policy, particularly during the Second Merkel cabinet (2009–2013). His leadership influenced Germany's diplomatic engagements and shaped the country's international relations. Westerwelle's work with political organizations like Atlantik-Brücke and the Young Liberals reinforced the liberal and free-market values of the FDP, contributing to his lasting impact on German politics.

## Notable For
- Served as Foreign Minister of Germany for over 55 years, one of the longest tenures in the role.
- Key figure in the Second Merkel cabinet, shaping German foreign policy during a critical period.
- Affiliated with influential political organizations such as Atlantik-Brücke and the Young Liberals.
- Recognized with prestigious awards, including the Orden wider den tierischen Ernst and the Order of Merit of North Rhine-Westphalia.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Guido Westerwelle was a lawyer educated at the University of Bonn and FernUniversität in Hagen. His legal background provided a foundation for his later political career, particularly in foreign policy and international relations.

### Political Career
Westerwelle began his political career with the Free Democratic Party (FDP), a liberal-conservative party in Germany. He was affiliated with Atlantik-Brücke, a political and economic think tank, and the Young Liberals, the youth wing of the FDP. These affiliations helped shape his ideological alignment and early political influence.

### Foreign Minister Tenure
Westerwelle served as Foreign Minister of Germany from 1961 to 2016, one of the longest tenures in the role. His leadership was particularly notable during the Second Merkel cabinet (2009–2013), where he played a key role in German foreign policy. His long tenure and significant contributions to German diplomacy made him a central figure in the country's international relations.

### Awards and Recognition
Westerwelle received numerous awards and honors, including the Orden wider den tierischen Ernst, the European handicraft prize, the Order of Merit of North Rhine-Westphalia, and was named Tie Man of the Year. These accolades recognized his impact on German politics and foreign policy.

### Influence and Legacy
Guido Westerwelle's influence extended beyond his tenure as Foreign Minister. His work with political organizations and his long-term service in government shaped the liberal and free-market values of the FDP. His legacy continues to be felt in German politics and international relations, particularly in the context of his contributions to the Second Merkel cabinet.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. [Source](http://www.princeton.edu/~achaney/tmve/wiki100k/docs/Guido_Westerwelle.html)
3. [Süddeutsche Zeitung](http://www.sueddeutsche.de/politik/-guido-westerwelle-ist-tot-1.2914142)
4. [Der Spiegel](https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/guido-westerwelle-ist-tot-a-1083096.html)
5. basic data about the members of the Bundestag
6. [Source](http://webarchiv.bundestag.de/archive/2013/1212/bundestag/abgeordnete17/alphabet/index.html)
7. bundestag.de
8. [Source](https://www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/zum-tod-von-guido-westerwelle-was-bleibt-weggefaehrten-erinnern-sich/13344044.html)
9. Erster Abgeordneter verpartnert sich
10. [Source](http://www.akv.de/alle-ritter/)
11. [Source](https://www.deutschesmodeinstitut.de/krawattenmann)
12. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
13. [Source](https://www.heute.de/der-ehemalige-aussenminister-guido-westerwelle-ist-an-den-folgen-seiner-leukaemie-erkrankung-gestorben-42599214.html)
14. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
15. Virtual International Authority File
16. [Source](http://www.bundestag.de/blob/192342/82983e7fb1389de5fa72d5cbf310fc62/bundestag-data.pdf)
17. Davos 2013 Participant List
18. BBC Things
19. Library of Congress Control Number