Before the new German government is set to be established on May 6, Friedrich Merz, the incoming Chancellor of Germany, announced this week that Katherina Reiche, CEO of an energy company born in Brandenburg, will become the new Minister for Economic Affairs of Germany. Merz confidently stated that Germany "has finally redefined its economic policy," and the German economy will return to normal. Reiche has also become the first Minister for Economic Affairs from East Germany in the history of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Katherina Reiche speaking at the CDU Party Conference

Merkel's 'Political Daughter'

Katherina Reiche was born in 1973 in the small town of Luckenwalde in Brandenburg into a family of scientists. Since 1992, she studied chemistry at Potsdam University, Clarkson University (New York State, USA), and Turku University (Finland), and received her degree in chemistry in 1997. After completing her studies, she worked as a research assistant at Potsdam University until 1998. She did this to follow in her family's footsteps; both her parents were scientists. Her grandfather founded the "Plaste Schulze" company in Luckenwalde, now managed by her brother under the name Hesco.

Meanwhile, Reiche gained prominence on the political stage of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). She first gained recognition on the local political stage and quickly grew from being a young hopeful within the previously weak Brandenburg CDU to becoming a respected, feared, and revered strong politician.

German media report

In 1998, at the age of 25, she confidently became a candidate for the Bundestag and entered parliament for the first time. From 2005, she became the youngest member of the CDU and deputy parliamentary group leader, serving as a member of the Bundestag until 2015. She was even considered the 'political daughter' of former Chancellor Merkel. These two scientists, both from East Germany, had a connection and called each other by their names.

Like Merkel, Reiche handles affairs methodically, consistently, observes keenly, and seeks power. In 2009, she became a member of the federal government, serving as Parliamentary State Secretary to then Environment Minister Norbert Röttgen. In the 2013 federal election, Reiche won again with a clear lead of 32.6%. In Merkel's third cabinet, she served as Parliamentary State Secretary to Federal Transport Minister Alexander Dobrindt.

Together with Merkel

CEO of a German Energy Company

Ten years ago, Reiche left politics. After facing severe criticism for allegedly violating the "cooling-off period" rule upon leaving politics, she became the CEO of the Municipal Utility Association, which represents approximately 1500 municipal utility companies.

In 2020, Reiche became the CEO of energy supplier Westenergie, which employs around 11,000 people and is considered one of E.ON's most important subsidiaries. The company's turnover has doubled to 8.7 billion euros. Additionally, she serves as a member of the supervisory board of automotive supplier Schaeffler AG. Reiche also holds an honorary position as the chairperson of the National Hydrogen Council of the Federal Government, an important body dealing with future energy supply issues.

She is the CEO of an energy company

After Reiche was confirmed as the new Minister for Economic Affairs, the business community generally gave positive feedback. Matthias Bianchi, head of public relations for the German SME Association, said that Reiche is considered a politically savvy and practical politician. Germany is currently in a very serious economic situation, experiencing its longest recession in 20 years. Germany needs optimistic individuals, and Reiche may well be the right person for the job.

Michael Kretschmer, the Prime Minister of Saxony, also stated that Reiche understands the special challenges faced by East Germany and has always been an advocate for the special concerns of East Germany. "Her particular strength as Minister for Economic and Energy Affairs lies in her success in the economic field, particularly in the energy sector." Besides approval, there are also criticisms: for example, the Green Party worries that Reiche might promote the widespread use of fossil fuels again.

Katherina Reiche nominated as Minister for Economic Affairs by Merz

A Couple with the Former Defense Minister

Traditionally, Reiche is a conservative politician who strongly advocates traditional family life. However, an event in 2002 caused significant controversy, even causing a stir at the Bishop's Conference: as a Protestant, Reiche was pregnant with her second child but unmarried, and was appointed by Edmund Stoiber, the CDU/CSU coalition party's candidate for Chancellor, to serve on the expert team. If elected, Reiche would have become the Minister for Family Affairs. However, Stoiber lost to SPD Chancellor Gerhard Schröder at that time.

In 2003, Reiche married Sven Petke, then a Member of the Brandenburg State Parliament. They have three children, two daughters, and a son. They have been separated for many years.

Reiche and Guttenberg

Currently, it has been revealed that Reiche is in a relationship with Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, the former Defense and Economics Minister. Guttenberg is a nobleman who resigned from his position as Defense Minister due to a plagiarism scandal involving his doctoral thesis. When questioned, Reiche and Guttenberg's lawyer, Christian Schertz, told Deutsche Presse-Agentur that his clients had indeed started a romantic relationship some time ago.

Overall, Germany holds high hopes for the new Minister for Economic Affairs. However, Reiche faces immense challenges: she must end the continuous stagnation of the German economy, advance new energy transitions, and readjust industrial policies. Many experts believe she may achieve something, but clearly, she cannot create an economic miracle for Germany.

Original Source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7500572803704472100/

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