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Henriette RekerGerman lawyer
Date of Birth: 09.12.1956
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Career in Law
- Early Political Career
- Oberbürgermeister of Cologne
- Political Policies
- Controversies
- Personal Life
Early Life and Education
Henriette Reker was born in 1956. From 1976 to 1986, she studied law at the universities of Cologne, Regensburg, and Göttingen. She completed her legal clerkship at the Münster Regional Court.
Career in Law
In 1990-1992, Reker worked as a clerk in an insurance company in Bielefeld. From 1992 to 2000, she practiced law for the Münster branch of the Innungskrankenkasse, a health insurance provider. In 1996, she became a licensed attorney at the Münster Regional Court.
Early Political Career
In 2000, Reker was elected Deputy Mayor of Gelsenkirchen, responsible for social welfare, healthcare, and consumer protection. In 2010, she joined the Cologne city government as Deputy Mayor for Social Affairs, Integration, and Environmental Protection.
Oberbürgermeister of Cologne
In 2015, Reker became the Oberbürgermeister (Lord Mayor) of Cologne. As a non-partisan candidate, she was supported by a "rainbow coalition" of the CDU, FDP, and Greens. Her election victory came amid controversy over her stance on the refugee crisis and her response to the New Year's Eve sexual assaults in Cologne.
Political Policies
During her time as Oberbürgermeister, Reker has focused on addressing social issues in Cologne. She has advocated for measures to combat discrimination, xenophobia, and racism. She has also emphasized the need for sustainable housing and infrastructure development.
Controversies
Reker has been involved in several controversies during her term in office. Her decision to purchase and renovate hotels for refugee housing drew criticism. Her comments on women's safety after the New Year's Eve assaults were widely condemned.
