Sabine Bergmann-Pohl German politician Date of Birth: 20.04.1946 Country: Germany

1. Early Life and Political Career
2. Rise to Leadership
3. Post-Unification Career
4. Bundestag and Retirement

Early Life and Political Career

Sabine Bergmann-Pohl (born 20 April 1946) is a German politician who served as the last President of the German Democratic Republic (GDR) and the first and only female head of state in East German history. Born in Leipzig, East Germany, she joined the ruling Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED) in 1968.

Rise to Leadership

In 1990, Bergmann-Pohl was elected as the Chairperson of the People's Chamber of the GDR. Following the dissolution of the State Council of the GDR, she became the de facto head of state on 5 April 1990. As President, she oversaw the peaceful reunification of East and West Germany on 3 October 1990.

Post-Unification Career

After German reunification, Bergmann-Pohl joined the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) political party. She served as a Minister for Special Affairs in the government of Helmut Kohl from 1990 to 1991. From 1991 to 1998, she held the position of Parliamentary Secretary for Health.

Bundestag and Retirement

Following the election of the Social Democratic Party, Bergmann-Pohl continued to serve as a member of the Bundestag until 2002. After her retirement from politics, she remained active in public life through her association with the German Red Cross and her work as an author.