Guido Westerwelle

ModernPoliticianGermany1961 — ?

FDP leader and first openly gay vice chancellor.

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Quick Facts

Born

1961

Country

Germany

Era

Modern

Occupation

Politician

Score Overview

Military (10%)49

Political (20%)68

Influence (20%)53

Legacy (20%)43

Leadership (15%)53

Strategy (15%)42

Total Score51.0

Guido Westerwelle — Complete Timeline

2004 AD

Came Out as Gay PubliclyCultural

Westerwelle publicly came out as gay, becoming one of the first high-profile German politicians to do so. He brought his partner to official events, increasing visibility for LGBTQ+ people in German politics.

LGBTQ+Coming OutVisibility

Impact: nationalconstructive

2009 AD

Appointed Vice Chancellor and Foreign MinisterPolitical Action◆ Major

Guido Westerwelle was appointed Vice Chancellor and Foreign Minister in the coalition government of Chancellor Angela Merkel. He served from 2009 to 2013, becoming the first openly gay person to hold these offices in Germany.

Vice ChancellorForeign MinisterLGBTQ+

Impact: nationalconstructive

Led FDP to Best Election ResultPolitical Action◆ Major

Westerwelle led the Free Democratic Party (FDP) to 14.6% of the vote in the 2009 federal election, the party's best result ever. This success allowed the FDP to form a coalition with the CDU/CSU.

ElectionFDPCoalition

Impact: nationalconstructive

2013 AD

Resigned as FDP Leader after Election DefeatPolitical Action◆ Major

After the FDP failed to reach the 5% threshold in the 2013 federal election and lost all its seats, Westerwelle resigned as party leader. The defeat marked a dramatic fall from the party's 2009 high.

ResignationElection DefeatFDP

Impact: nationaldestructive