Kurt Georg Kiesinger

ModernPoliticianGermany1904 — 1988

German chancellor of the grand coalition.

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Quick Facts

Born

1904

Died

1988

Country

Germany

Era

Modern

Occupation

Politician

Score Overview

Military (10%)49

Political (20%)68

Influence (20%)56

Legacy (20%)45

Leadership (15%)72

Strategy (15%)43

Total Score55.4

Kurt Georg Kiesinger — Complete Timeline

1966 AD

Election as Chancellor of West GermanyPolitical Action◆ Major

Kurt Georg Kiesinger was elected Chancellor of West Germany, leading a Grand Coalition between the CDU/CSU and SPD. His government aimed to address economic recession and improve relations with Eastern Europe.

ChancellorGrand CoalitionWest Germany

Impact: nationalconstructive

1967 AD

Ostpolitik InitiativesPolitical Action◆ Major

Kiesinger's government initiated a new Ostpolitik, establishing diplomatic relations with Romania and Yugoslavia. This marked a shift towards d

OstpolitikDétenteForeign Policy

Impact: regionalconstructive

1968 AD

Implementation of the Emergency Laws (Notstandsgesetze)Reform◆ Major

Kiesinger's government passed the Emergency Laws, which amended the constitution to allow the government to take emergency powers in crises. This was highly controversial, sparking massive protests from the student movement and left-wing groups.

Emergency LawsConstitutional AmendmentProtests

Impact: nationaldestructive

1969 AD

Defeat in the 1969 Federal ElectionPolitical Action◆ Major

Kiesinger's CDU/CSU lost the federal election to the SPD under Willy Brandt. This defeat ended the Grand Coalition and marked the first time the SPD led a government since the Weimar Republic.

Election DefeatPolitical ShiftSPD Victory

Impact: national