# Wolfgang Schäuble

> German politician and statesman (1942–2023)

**Wikidata**: [Q16019](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16019)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolfgang_Schäuble)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/wolfgang-schauble

## Summary
Wolfgang Schäuble was a German politician and statesman who played a pivotal role in shaping modern German and European politics. He served as Germany's Federal Minister of Finance from 2009 to 2017 and was a central figure in European fiscal policy during the financial crisis.

## Biography
- Born: September 18, 1942, in Offenburg, Germany
- Nationality: German
- Education: Studied law at the University of Freiburg and University of Hamburg; earned a doctorate in law
- Known for: Serving as Germany's Federal Minister of Finance and leading fiscal policy during the European financial crisis
- Employer(s): German Federal Government (various cabinets), University of Freiburg (academic work), University of Hamburg (academic work)
- Field(s): Politics, Law, Public Administration
- Occupation: Politician, Lawyer, Jurist

## Contributions
Wolfgang Schäuble contributed significantly to German and European politics through his leadership in finance and governance. As Federal Minister of Finance from 2009 to 2017, he was instrumental in navigating Germany and the EU through the financial crisis. His fiscal policies emphasized budget discipline and economic stability, influencing European monetary cooperation. Schäuble also played a key role in the Greek debt crisis, advocating for strict austerity measures. He was a member of the Bundestag for decades and held various cabinet positions, including Minister of the Interior and President of the Bundestag.

## FAQs
### What were Wolfgang Schäuble's major political roles?
Wolfgang Schäuble served in several high-level political positions in Germany, most notably as Federal Minister of Finance from 2009 to 2017. He also served as Minister of the Interior and President of the Bundestag, and was a key figure in shaping Germany's fiscal and European integration policies.

### What is Wolfgang Schäuble's educational background?
Schäuble studied law at the University of Freiburg and the University of Hamburg, earning a doctorate in law. His academic training laid the foundation for his legal and political career.

### How did Wolfgang Schäuble influence European policy?
As Germany's Finance Minister, Schäuble was a central figure in European fiscal policy, particularly during the financial crisis. He advocated for strict budgetary discipline and played a key role in the EU's response to the Greek debt crisis.

### What awards and honors did Wolfgang Schäuble receive?
Schäuble received numerous honors, including the Charlemagne Prize, the Order of Merit of Baden-Württemberg, and the Robert Schuman Medal. He was also awarded honorary citizenship in several cities and recognized with distinctions such as the Konrad Adenauer Award and the Pipe Smoker of the Year award.

### What was Wolfgang Schäuble's role in German fiscal policy?
Schäuble was known for his strict adherence to fiscal discipline, especially during his tenure as Federal Minister of Finance. He was a key architect of Germany's balanced budget policies and played a leading role in European economic governance.

## Why They Matter
Wolfgang Schäuble's influence on German and European politics is profound. As Finance Minister, he was a stabilizing force during the European debt crisis, advocating for fiscal responsibility and economic integration. His policies shaped the EU's response to financial instability and influenced the direction of the European Union's economic governance. Schäuble's commitment to balanced budgets and his role in crafting Germany's economic strategy left a lasting legacy in both national and European fiscal policy. His work continues to influence political and economic discourse in Germany and the EU.

## Notable For
- Serving as Germany's Federal Minister of Finance (2009–2017)
- Leading Germany through the European financial crisis with a focus on fiscal discipline
- Advocating for austerity measures in the EU, especially during the Greek debt crisis
- Receiving the Charlemagne Prize for contributions to European unification
- Awarded the Order of Merit of Baden-Württemberg
- Recognized with the Robert Schuman Medal for peace efforts
- Longtime member of the Bundestag and influential political leader
- Recipient of the Konrad Adenauer Award
- Holder of the Pipe Smoker of the Year award
- Practiced as a lawyer and jurist before entering politics
- Instrumental in shaping European fiscal policy during his tenure

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Wolfgang Schäuble was born on September 18, 1942, in Offenburg, Germany. He pursued law at the University of Freiburg and the University of Hamburg, earning a doctorate in law. His academic background in law laid the foundation for his career in public service and political leadership.

### Political Career
Schäuble's political career began in the 1970s, and he quickly rose to prominence in German politics. He was a member of the Bundestag for several decades and held various cabinet positions, including Federal Minister of the Interior and President of the Bundestag. His most significant role was as Federal Minister of Finance from 2009 to 2017, during which he was instrumental in navigating Germany and the EU through the financial crisis.

### Fiscal Policy and European Influence
As Finance Minister, Schäuble was known for his strict adherence to fiscal discipline and played a key role in shaping Germany's response to the European financial crisis. He advocated for balanced budgets and was a central figure in the EU's economic governance, especially during the Greek debt crisis. His influence extended beyond Germany, shaping European fiscal policy and reinforcing the importance of economic stability.

### Awards and Recognition
Schäuble received numerous awards for his contributions to politics and European integration. He was honored with the Charlemagne Prize for his work in European unification, the Order of Merit of Baden-Württemberg, and the Robert Schuman Medal. He also received the Konrad Adenauer Award and was recognized as Pipe Smoker of the Year by the German tobacco industry association.

### Legacy and Influence
Schäuble's legacy is marked by his unwavering commitment to fiscal responsibility and European integration. His policies during the financial crisis influenced the EU's direction and reinforced Germany's role as a stabilizing force in European politics. His leadership continues to shape political and economic discourse in Germany and the EU.

### Personal Life and Honors
Beyond his political career, Schäuble was known for his personal interests and affiliations. He was a member of several organizations, including the Diakonisches Werk and the Max Planck Society. His contributions were recognized through various honors, including honorary citizenship in multiple cities and international recognition through awards like the Charlemagne Prize and the Robert Schuman Medal.

### Affiliations and Memberships
Schäuble was affiliated with several prestigious institutions, including the University of Freiburg and the University of Hamburg. His memberships spanned across political and academic organizations, reflecting his influence in both law and governance.

### Career Milestones
Throughout his career, Schäuble held key positions in multiple German cabinets, including the First, Second, and Third Merkel cabinets, as well as Cabinets under Chancellor Helmut Kohl. His work in these roles helped shape Germany's political and economic landscape. He was also involved in various international initiatives and was a respected figure in European politics, contributing to the development of EU policies.

### Contributions to Law and Policy
As a trained lawyer and jurist, Schäuble's legal expertise informed his political decisions, particularly in finance and governance. His approach to policy-making emphasized stability, discipline, and long-term economic planning, which had a lasting impact on both German and European policy.

### International Recognition
Schäuble's influence extended beyond Germany, earning him international recognition. He was awarded the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic and was a recipient of the European handicraft prize, among other honors. His work in fostering European unity and economic cooperation was widely acknowledged.

### Final Years and Legacy
Wolfgang Schäuble passed away on December 26, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of fiscal discipline and political leadership. His contributions to German and European politics continue to influence policy-making and governance, underscoring his role as a pivotal figure in modern political history.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Catalog of the German National Library
3. [Wolfgang Schäuble ist tot. Die Zeit. 2023](https://www.zeit.de/politik/deutschland/2023-12/wolfgang-schaeuble-ist-tot)
4. BnF authorities
5. basic data about the members of the Bundestag
6. [Source](https://bundeswahlleiter.de/bundestagswahlen/2017/gewaehlte/bund-99/s.html)
7. [Deutscher Bundestag – Wolfgang Schäuble zum neuen Präsidenten des Bundestages gewählt. In: Deutscher Bundestag](https://www.bundestag.de/de/dokumente/textarchiv/2017/kw43-konstituierende-sitzung-nachher/530010)
8. [Source](https://www.bundestag.de/abgeordnete/biografien/S/schaeuble_wolfgang-857936)
9. [Source](http://webarchiv.bundestag.de/archive/2013/1212/bundestag/abgeordnete17/alphabet/index.html)
10. bundestag.de
11. Czech National Authority Database
12. [CDU-Politiker mit 81 Jahren gestorben Wolfgang Schäuble – sein Leben in Bildern. Der Spiegel](https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/wolfgang-schaeuble-ist-gestorben-rueckblick-auf-sein-politisches-leben-in-bildern-a-6b5d8353-331c-47a3-b995-dbabbf4bb107)
13. pace.coe.int
14. [Source](https://www.hitradio-ohr.de/trauerfeier-fuer-wolfgang-schaeuble-am-5-januar-offenburg)
15. [Dr. Wolfgang Schäuble, CDU/CSU Jurist. bundestag.de](http://www.bundestag.de/bundestag/abgeordnete18/biografien/S/schaeuble_wolfgang/259036)
16. [Der Karlspreisträger 2012 Wolfgang Schäuble](http://www.karlspreis.de/de/preistraeger/wolfgang-schaeuble-2012/vita)
17. [Verdienstorden des Landes Baden-Württemberg: Liste der Ordensträgerinnen und Ordensträger 1975 - 2023](https://stm.baden-wuerttemberg.de/fileadmin/redaktion/dateien/PDF/230422_Liste_Verdienstorden_B-W_alle_Ordenstraeger_1975-2023.pdf)
18. [ENTIDADES ESTRANGEIRAS AGRACIADAS COM ORDENS PORTUGUESAS](http://www.ordens.presidencia.pt/?idc=154)
19. [Source](https://mfin.gouvernement.lu/fr/actualites.gouvernement%2Bfr%2Bactualites%2Btoutes_actualites%2Bcommuniques%2B2011%2B01-janvier%2B10-frieden.html)
20. [European handicraft prize](http://www.nrwhandwerkstag.de/artikel/europaeischer-handwerkspreis-31,0,1349.html)
21. [Source](https://bigbrotherawards.de/2009)
22. [Pfeifenraucher des Jahres](http://www.pfeiferauchen.de/specials/pfeifenraucher-des-jahres/)
23. [Die Preisträger des Point-Alpha-Preises](https://www.pointalpha.com/point-alpha-preis/#preistraeger)
24. [Source](https://vossmuseum-otterndorf.de/voss-preis/)
25. [Source](https://www.ifw-kiel.de/de/institut/veranstaltungen/preisverleihungen/weltwirtschaftlicher-preis/)
26. [Auszeichnung für Dr. Wolfgang Schäuble. 2025](https://www.stadt-koeln.de/politik-und-verwaltung/presseservice/auszeichnung-fuer-dr-wolfgang-schaeuble)
27. International Standard Name Identifier
28. Virtual International Authority File
29. CiNii Research
30. MusicBrainz
31. [Source](https://kalliope-verbund.info/DE-611-BF-117419)
32. [Πέθανε ο Βόλφγκανγκ Σόιμπλε - Έδινε επί χρόνια μάχη με τον καρκίνο. Proto Thema. 2023](https://www.protothema.gr/world/article/1449900/pethane-o-volfgang-soible/)
33. filmportal.de
34. Discogs
35. [Brockhaus Enzyklopädie](https://brockhaus.de/ecs/julex/article/schäuble-wolfgang)
36. ODIS
37. Munzinger Personen
38. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
39. [Source](http://www.bundestag.de/blob/192342/82983e7fb1389de5fa72d5cbf310fc62/bundestag-data.pdf)
40. [Source](http://www.zeit.de/politik/deutschland/2013-10/arbeitsgruppen-grosse-koalition-spd-cdu-csu)
41. [Source](http://www.bundestag.de/blob/490834/00e8cd433765c0b6e5fac81b56d4a5d5/mitglieder_bv-data.pdf)
42. Davos 2015 Participant List
43. Davos 2016 Participant List
44. Davos 2017 Participant List
45. CONOR.SI
46. La France savante
47. [Endgültiges Ergebnis der Bundestagswahl](https://www.bundeswahlleiter.de/dam/jcr/ce166f8c-6137-4ed3-baa7-95abc5c093c1/btw13_arbtab4.pdf)