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Helga LabsGerman politician, member of the SED
Date of Birth: 22.05.1940
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- Helga Labs: A Pioneer in East German Politics
- Involvement in Youth Movements
- Socialist Unity Party (SED) Career
- Pioneer Youth Organization (Thälmann-Pioneers)
- Chairman of the Thälmann-Pioneers
- Political Roles
- Post-SED Career
- Later Life
Helga Labs: A Pioneer in East German Politics
Early Life and EducationHelga Labs was born into a politically active family in Rochlitz, Saxony. She received her teaching certification from the Rochlitz Institute of Education and began her career as a teacher.
Involvement in Youth Movements
In 1955, Labs joined the Free German Youth (FDJ), the communist youth organization of East Germany. She quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a member of the FDJ district executive in 1956 and serving as FDJ secretary in 1959-1960.
Socialist Unity Party (SED) Career
In 1959, Labs joined the Socialist Unity Party (SED), the ruling party of East Germany. She held various positions in the SED, including instructor in the youth affairs department and secretary for school youth.
Pioneer Youth Organization (Thälmann-Pioneers)
In 1966, Labs became head of the Thälmann-Pioneers organization in the Karl-Marx-Stadt district. In 1969, she was elected secretary of the district FDJ executive and member of the district SED executive.
Chairman of the Thälmann-Pioneers
In 1974, Labs was elected Chairman of the Thälmann-Pioneers, the national organization for children and youth. She also became secretary of the FDJ Central Committee.
Political Roles
During her tenure as Chairman, Labs served as a member of the SED Central Committee (1976-1989) and the Commission on Youth Affairs under the SED Politburo (1976-1986). She was also a member of the People's Chamber, where she served on the National Defense Committee (1976-1986) and the National Education Committee (1986-1989).
Post-SED Career
After leaving the FDJ in 1985, Labs became Chairman of the Education and Upbringing Trade Union within the Free German Trade Union Federation. In November 1989, she briefly served as Minister of Education of East Germany.
Later Life
Following German reunification, Labs resigned from the trade union in 1990. She worked in after-school care and at a job placement agency before retiring.
