Being a key figure in the end of the communist rule in East Germany, he
became the first chairman of the new founded PDS, which succeeded the
ruling communist SED, in 1990.
Has worked as a lawyer since 1971.
Member of the German Parliament from 1990 to 2001 and since 2005 (for
the new founded Left Party).
Senator for Ecomomics, Labor and Women's Issues in Berlin from 2001 to
2002.