Biography of Lothar Späth

Lothar Späth (born 16 November 1937 in Sigmaringen; died 18 March 2016 in Stuttgart) was a German CDU politician, Minister-President of Baden-Württemberg and later business executive. From 1978 to 1991 he led the state government in Stuttgart. After his resignation he moved to Jena and became managing director of Jenoptik GmbH.

Administration and entry into politics

Späth grew up in modest circumstances and trained in public administration. He worked in the financial administration of the town of Bietigheim and later became its deputy for finance. In 1967 he joined the CDU and became mayor of Bietigheim. In 1968 he was first elected to the Baden-Württemberg state parliament.

State politics in Baden-Württemberg

In 1972 Späth became chairman of the CDU parliamentary group in the Landtag. On 30 August 1978 he succeeded Hans Filbinger as Minister-President. Under Späth, Baden-Württemberg strongly emphasised research, technology, medium-sized companies, universities and international business relations. He cultivated a direct, often pointed political style and won absolute majorities with the CDU in 1980, 1984 and 1988.

Federal politics and conflict with Kohl

In the 1980s Späth was among the much-noticed CDU politicians outside Bonn. At times he was perceived as a possible rival to Helmut Kohl. His political work showed above all in presenting Baden-Württemberg as an economically dynamic state. This closeness to business was part of his success, but later also became a problem.

Resignation in 1991

On 13 January 1991 Späth resigned as Minister-President. The background was reporting on privately used trips and sailing excursions made possible by friendly companies or entrepreneurs. The resignation ended his state-political career. Erwin Teufel became his successor.

Jenoptik and Jena

In June 1991 Späth moved to Jenoptik GmbH in Jena. The company emerged from parts of the former Carl Zeiss Jena combine and faced difficult restructuring after German reunification. Späth became chairman of the management board, accompanied privatisation, rebuilding and the stock-market listing, and remained in a leading role until 2003. He later took on further advisory and supervisory-board work.

Farewell

Lothar Späth died in Stuttgart on 18 March 2016. He was 78 years old. His career connects state politics, economic modernisation, a politically damaging resignation and a second career in eastern German industry after 1990.