Gerhart Baum: A Champion of Democracy and Rule of Law
Dresden Honors Departed FDP Politician
Gerhart Baum, a prominent FDP politician who passed away at the age of 92, was remembered in his hometown of Dresden. Dirk Hilbert, the FDP’s mayor of Dresden, hailed him as a "great Dresdner." "Few politicians of his generation enjoyed such high esteem in our country," Hilbert said, adding that Dresden, as Baum’s birthplace, now had the responsibility to preserve his legacy.
(h2) Baum’s Legacy of Defending Democracy and Human Rights
Baum had planned to give a speech on Sunday at the award ceremony for the Dresden Peace Prize, which was awarded to the European Court of Human Rights. The speech was read by a friend, in which the former Federal Minister of the Interior called for the defense of democracy. He warned that the situation was dire, with enemies of freedom attempting to impose a new world order that disregards human rights. "Fires are threatening everywhere in the world," he said.
"As a passionate jurist, Gerhart Baum stood like no other for a strong constitutional state that safeguards the liberties of the individual while protecting the internal security of our free society from threats," said Constanze Geiert, Saxony’s Minister of Justice (CDU). "We will miss Gerhart Baum as a combative voice for human rights, the rule of law, and freedom."
Early Life and Witness to Dresden’s Destruction
Born on October 28, 1932, Baum hailed from Dresden’s educated middle class. During World War II, he witnessed the devastating bombing of his hometown. Shortly after, his mother fled with him and his two siblings to Tegernsee. In 1950, the family relocated to Cologne.
(h2) A Pivotal Role as Federal Minister of the Interior
From 1978 onward, Baum served as Federal Minister of the Interior for four years under SPD Chancellor Helmut Schmidt, during the height of RAF terrorism. In recent years, Baum, concerned about anti-democratic tendencies, called for the defense of democracy. He noted that these trends had "unfortunately" cast a shadow over his hometown of Dresden in recent years, especially on the 80th anniversary of the city’s destruction in World War II. He emphasized the paramount importance of the majority of citizens standing strong for democracy and civil rights, uniting, and fighting back.
The FDP in Saxony also paid tribute to Baum. Anita Maß, the party’s chairwoman, described him as "the social-liberal conscience of the Liberals" and "a combative spirit who profoundly influenced the FDP’s image as a civil rights party." "His fight against right-wing extremism and his urgent warnings about the internal dangers to democracy remained an important part of his work until the end," she added.
(h2) Reflections on a Life Dedicated to Liberty and Justice
Gerhart Baum’s life and work exemplify the unwavering commitment to the preservation of democracy, the rule of law, and human rights. His passion for justice, his courage in the face of adversity, and his unwavering belief in the power of the people will continue to inspire those who believe in the values he so passionately defended.
As Dresden honors its great son, the city and the nation are reminded of the indispensable role that individuals like Baum play in safeguarding the hard-won freedoms and rights that define a truly democratic society. Baum’s legacy will endure as a beacon of hope and a reminder that the fight for liberty and justice is a perpetual one, requiring the vigilance and unwavering dedication of each generation.
