The legacy of the late Gerhart Baum, a prominent figure in German politics, will be honored through a newly named human rights prize. The Gerhart and Renate Baum Foundation announced that the award, previously known by a different designation, will now bear Baum’s name, commencing with its next iteration in 2026.
Renate Liesmann-Baum, his widow, confirmed the change in an interview with “Der Spiegel”, highlighting the foundation’s commitment to supporting projects dedicated to the advancement and protection of human rights. The prize carries a financial endowment of €10,000 and is awarded every two years. The most recent recipient, recognized in 2024, was an initiative spearheaded by female human rights activists evacuated from Afghanistan under the Taliban regime.
Gerhart Baum, a former Federal Minister of the Interior and a well-known voice within the Free Democratic Party (FDP), passed away in February at the age of 92. He was recognized for his consistently liberal perspectives and frequently voiced critiques regarding the direction of his party. Following his death, his wife joined the FDP and has since been actively engaged in preserving his political and philosophical contributions.
Until his passing, Baum collaborated with his wife and a journalist on a recently published book, “Besinnt Euch” (Reflect). The work addresses the importance of defending democracy and includes a call for careful consideration – even the possibility of party prohibition – in response to the rise of right-wing extremist movements.
