“With the death of Dr. Guido Westerwelle, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom lost a faithful friend, an important partner and a long-time companion, who personally and professionally promoted freedom over many years and with all his strength and who left us far too early.”, stated Prof. Dr. Jürgen Morlok, Chairman of the board of trustees of the Foundation.

The Chairman of the Board of the Foundation, Dr. Wolfgang Gerhardt, expressed “Guido Westerwelle has done a great service for liberal politics. His own particular way of doing politics, which promoted a policy of freedom and always expressed quiet clearly what he meant, inspired and motivated many people.”

Guido Westerwelle contributed greatly to the development of political liberalism in Germany. At an early age as Federal Chairman of the Young Liberals his political potential was distinctly recognizable. His political, strategic and rhetorical talent was exceptional. His meteoric ascent within the FDP and his excellent work as the FDP’s Secretary General and Federal Chairman, even in difficult times, guided the FDP in the right direction to stay visible even against the background of a changing media environment. During his time as Federal Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle, in the tradition of liberal Foreign Ministers Walter Scheel, Hans-Dietrich Genscher and Klaus Kinkel, he pursued a foreign and peace policy that was characterized by high humanitarian ideals, focused on human rights and international understanding and one that was positive for our country.

“As a former scholarship holder and as a friendly advisor, Guido Westerwelle retained close connections to the Foundation since the 1980s and vice versa.”, said Gerhardt and Morlok. “We came a long way together. The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom mourns the loss of the human being Guido Westerwelle, who often remained hidden behind the politician. We lost an exceptional partner, who we will miss. Our sympathy goes out to his husband, his family and his friends. The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom for Freedom will honor Guido Westerwelle’s memory.”