Former German Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg and Wife Separate Amicably

Germany’s former Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg (51) and his wife Stephanie (46) have separated. When asked, the couple’s lawyer in Guttenberg, Christian Schertz, confirmed to the German Press Agency: “Yes, it’s true, the couple separated on good terms last winter and will continue to remain close friends. “

Schertz added: “In the interest of protecting the privacy of the Guttenberg family and also with regard to their children, we ask that you respect them and refrain from making further inquiries.” The couple married in 2000.

Stumbled over his doctoral thesis as a minister

Guttenberg (CSU) was Economics Minister under then Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) in 2009 and Defense Minister from 2009 to 2011. In 2011, Germany spent weeks working on his doctoral thesis: he included a number of passages in it without citing the source. Ultimately, Gutenberg declared that he had made “serious mistakes” and wanted to give up his title.

Nevertheless, the nobleman was popular; he knew how to score points with his easygoing manner. Many voters also viewed the fact that he had de facto abolished conscription, which was held in high regard by conservatives, as a courageous, almost rebellious step. After the University of Bayreuth actually revoked Guttenberg’s doctorate following an examination, he resigned from his political offices. Guttenberg is now a lobbyist and management consultant.