Former Bundestag President Rita Süssmuth Dies Aged 88
BERLIN, 1 February 2026 – Rita Süssmuth, the respected former President of the German Bundestag and a prominent figure in the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has died at the age of 88. Süssmuth served as the highest-ranking woman in German politics during her tenure and was later a leading voice in international efforts to return art looted by the Nazis to its rightful owners.
A Trailblazing Political Career
Rita Süssmuth’s political journey began in the 1980s. She first served as Federal Minister for Youth, Family and Health under Chancellor Helmut Kohl from 1985 to 1988. In 1988, she was elected President of the Bundestag, a role she held for a decade until 1998, becoming one of the most recognised and influential women in German public life. Known for her sharp intellect and commitment to social justice, she was a powerful advocate for women’s rights, family policy, and immigration reform within her party.
Key Facts: Rita Süssmuth
| Role | Details |
|---|---|
| Bundestag President | 1988 – 1998 |
| Federal Minister | Youth, Family and Health (1985-1988) |
| Political Party | Christian Democratic Union (CDU) |
| Later Work | Advocate for Nazi-looted art restitution |
Post-Political Advocacy: The Fight for Restitution
Following her political career, Süssmuth remained active in public life, notably chairing the German Lost Art Foundation. In this role, she worked closely with international figures like former US Ambassador Stuart Eizenstat to advance the complex and sensitive process of returning art stolen by the Nazis to the families of the original owners. Her work addressed cases across Europe, including in the Netherlands, France, and Austria, emphasising moral responsibility and historical justice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Rita Süssmuth known for?
Rita Süssmuth was best known as the long-serving President of the German Bundestag (1988-1998) and as a senior CDU politician. Later, she gained recognition for her leadership in Nazi-looted art restitution efforts.
How did Rita Süssmuth contribute to art restitution?
She chaired the German Lost Art Foundation, spearheading research and negotiations to identify and return artworks looted during the Nazi era to their rightful heirs, working on cases internationally.
What political office did she hold before leading the Bundestag?
Prior to becoming Bundestag President, Süssmuth served as the Federal Minister for Youth, Family and Health in Chancellor Helmut Kohl’s government from 1985 to 1988.