Dirk Niebel The New Development Minister
Dirk Niebel moves into the Development Ministry from his position as general secretary of the Free Democrats. In his role in the FDP leadership, Niebel became known for his energetic attacks on his political opponents.
Niebel's new job, however, will require a great deal more diplomacy. He is one of five FDP ministers in Merkel's new government, testament to the party's excellent showing in the September elections. He follows Heidemarie Wieczorek-Zeul at the head of the Development Ministry.
Niebel was born in Hamburg in 1963. He studied public administration and worked as a placement officer in Heidelberg. He became a member of German parliament in 1998 and in 2005 he rose to the position of FDP general secretary, taking over from Cornelia Pieper.
