Scheel, Walter

Scheel, Walter (väl`tər shāl), 1919–, German political leader, president of West Germany (1974–79). After serving in World War II, Scheel became interested in politics and joined the Free Democrats, a liberal party. In 1953 he entered the Bundestag, or lower house of parliament, and he continued to be reelected. Late in 1967 he became chairman of the Free Democrats. When the Social Democrat–Free Democrat coalition government was formed in 1969 by Chancellor Willy Brandt, Scheel became foreign minister and vice chancellor. As foreign minister he helped improve relations with East Germany and the Soviet Union. He later (1974–79) served as President, a largely ceremonial office.