Kurt Beck

Kurt Beck (* 1949 in Bad Bergzabern) is a German politician and since 1994 the prime minister of the German federal state of Rhineland-Palatinate (Rheinland-Pfalz). He is one of the leaders of the German Social Democratic Party (SPD).

Related Topics:
1949 - German - Politician - 1994 - Rhineland-Palatinate - Social Democratic Party

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Beck comes from a rather humble family background, his father having been a bricklayer. Both his parents stem from the town Kapsweyer in southern Rhenish Palatinate. After his aprenticeship Beck worked as a electric mechanic and went on as an employee representative on works councils. He joined the SPD in 1972. Beck became chairman of the SPD of Rhineland Palatinate in 1993 and deputy chairman of the federal party in 2003. As prime minister he is known for his centrist approach, which is also apparent from the choice of his coalition partner (the free-market FDP instead of the left-wing Green Party, which is the traditional ally of the SPD).

Related Topics:
Rhenish Palatinate - Works councils - SPD - 1972 - 1993 - 2003 - FDP - Green Party

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Kurt Beck and his wife, Roswitha live in Steinfeld, southern Rhenish Palatinate. They have one son.

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