Christian Ude - Munich City Mayor

Christian Ude is the current mayor of Munich. He is also a member of the German political party the "Social Democrats", or SPD. He is one of the most popular Munich mayors ever, and since taking on the role in September 1993 he has been voted in again twice. Once in June 1999 with 61% of all votes and again in March 2002 with 65% of the votes.

Christian Ude was born on 26th October 1947 in Munich. He went to school at the Oskar-von-Miller-Gymnasium, also in Munich. For 10 years he was involved in journalism for a couple of Munich newspapers. Whilst working in journalism he also studied law. In 1978 he moved away from journalism and spent the 1980's working as a self-employed lawyer. He is married to the photographer Edith von Welser-Ude.

As the mayor of Munich, Christian Ude is responsible for leading the city planning and building development, for culture, employment and the economy, and management of the city council.

The mayor of Munich can often be seen at various public engagements around the city. One of his most famous annual outings it at the opening of the Oktoberfest. It is always his job to tap the first barrel of beer and to give a little speech.

Christian Ude's current term of office will last until 2008. He has already indicated that his current term as Mayor of Munich will be his last.

For more info (in German) see his official homepage: Christian Ude

According to various reports, including this one at Netzeitung, Christian Ude is in hospital after collapsing due to an overdose of antibiotics. He blames the stress related to the recent Wildmoser scandal.

He's heading up the 'Yes' campaign in the Hochhäuser debate. The man is a shining example of common sense.