Previously Held Environment Post: Ex-Minister - Grieving for politician Topfer with "heart" and "vigor"
German leaders express their sorrow over the passing of Klaus Toepfer. The ex-Federal Environment Minister and CDU member passed away Saturday following a brief, acute health crisis, announced a Federal CDU representative on Tuesday.
For Anke Rehlinger, Minister President of Saarland (SPD), Germany is now deprived of "one of the top environmental politicians in the nation." Toepfer's commitment to environmental and climate protection, along with his roles as Saarland CDU chairman and frequent CDU candidate, won over the people of Saarland.
Saarland CDU's chairman, Stephan Toscani, reflects: "We lose a remarkable individual, a dear friend and fellow combatant who has greatly contributed to Germany, Saarland, and the CDU." Toscani highlights Toepfer's dedication to environmental protection and championing sustainable development. His accomplishments as Federal Environment Minister and in other prestigious roles have left an enduring impact on Germany and worldwide. He expresses, "He set an example with his boundless energy and visionary politics. His achievements will be commemorated."
Serving as the Saarland CDU chairman from 1990 to 1995, Toepfer revitalized and updated the party. Under his guidance, significant progress was made in regaining a majority position in 1999 when he was a figure in the opposition.
Katrin Eder, Rhineland-Palatinate's Environment Minister and UMK chairperson (Greens), acknowledges him as one of Germany's "most renowned environmental politicians." She praised him as an "innovative and forward-thinking environmental politics trailblazer." With his status as an esteemed international eco-warrior, his fearless leap into the Rhine remains a memorable milestone. Eder describes Toepfer as "a politician with feeling and guts."
He also initiated the creation of Rhineland-Palatinate's Environment Ministry. In 1985, Toepfer was assigned to this role by then-Minister President Bernhard Vogel, and in 1987, he was appointed as Federal Environment Minister.
Eder recalled in Mainz on Tuesday that Toepfer's unforgettable life journey led him to become the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in Nairobi in 1998. However, his earliest political forays began in Rhineland-Palatinate. Before his stint as State Secretary in the Mainz Ministry for Social Affairs, Health, and Environment from 1978 to 1985, he was previously Minister for the Environment in Rhineland-Palatinate. Coworkers who collaborated with him in the Health and Environment Ministry recall him as a "caring and discerning" person.
Rhineland-Palatinate's CDU state chairman Christian Baldauf honored Toepfer as a man who wore his heart on his sleeve. He was unapologetic and authentic.
Read also:
- Anke Rehlinger, being an environmental politician in Saarland, shares her grief over Klaus Töpfer's passing, noting that Germany has lost one of its top environmental politicians.
- Klaus Töpfer's dedication to the environment and climate protection, along with his political roles in Saarland and Germany, endeared him to the people of Saarland.
- As Saarland's CDU chairman, Töpfer played a crucial role in revitalizing the party and regaining a majority position in 1999.
- Katrin Eder, the Environment Minister of Rhineland-Palatinate, recognizes Töpfer as one of Germany's most renowned environmental politicians, praising his innovative and forward-thinking approach.
- Before serving as the Federal Environment Minister, Klaus Töpfer worked as the Minister for the Environment in Rhineland-Palatinate and held various other political positions within the state.
- Christian Baldauf, Rhineland-Palatinate's CDU state chairman, honors Töpfer as a man with a heart on his sleeve, unafraid to wear his convictions openly.
- The career of the late Klaus Töpfer culminated in his appointment as the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in Nairobi in 1998.
