Michael Müller (politician, born 1964)

Michael Müller (born December 9, 1964) is a German politician of the Social Democratic Party (SPD). He served as the Governing Mayor of Berlin from 2014 to 2021.

Early Life and Education:

Müller was born and raised in Berlin. He trained as a certified toolmaker.

Political Career:

Müller began his political career in local politics in Berlin. He served as a city councillor in the Tempelhof district before its merger with Schöneberg. He was a member of the Berlin House of Representatives (Abgeordnetenhaus von Berlin) from 1996 to 2011 and again from 2014 to 2023. From 2001 to 2011, he served as the chairman of the SPD parliamentary group in the Berlin House of Representatives.

Governing Mayor of Berlin (2014-2021):

In August 2014, Müller was elected Governing Mayor of Berlin, succeeding Klaus Wowereit. He led a coalition government consisting of the SPD and the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). In 2016, following the Berlin state election, he formed a new coalition government with the Social Democrats, The Left, and the Green Party.

During his tenure as Governing Mayor, Müller focused on issues such as affordable housing, education, and economic development. He also oversaw the city's response to the refugee crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. He was the President of the Bundesrat from November 2017 to October 2018.

Member of the Bundestag (2021-present):

In the 2021 German federal election, Müller was elected as a Member of the Bundestag, representing the Berlin-Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf constituency. He left office as Governing Mayor of Berlin in December 2021 and was succeeded by Franziska Giffey. He currently serves as a member of the Bundestag.

Political Positions:

Müller is considered to be on the moderate wing of the SPD. He is a strong supporter of European integration and has advocated for greater investment in education and infrastructure. He has also been a vocal critic of right-wing extremism.