Council of Ministers of East Germany
The Council of Ministers (German: Ministerrat der Deutschen Demokratischen Republik) was the cabinet and executive branch of the German Democratic Republic from November 1950 until the country was reunified on 3 October 1990. Originally formed as a body of 18 members, by 1989 the council consisted of 44 members.
| Government of the Republic | |
|---|---|
| Regierung der Republik (German) | |
Emblem | |
| Overview | |
| Established | 8 November 1950 |
| Dissolved | 2 October 1990 |
| State | German Democratic Republic |
| Leader | Chairman (styled Minister President in 1949 Constitution) |
| Appointed by | Volkskammer |
| Main organ | Council of Ministers |
| Ministries | see below |
| Headquarters | Altes Stadthaus, Berlin |
Under the Constitution of East Germany, the Council of Ministers was formally defined as the government of East Germany. The same Constitution, however, officially confirmed the leading role of the Socialist Unity Party (SED). Hence, for most of the GDR's existence, the Council of Ministers was not the highest authority in the country, but was charged with implementing the SED's policies into practical administration. In particular, ministers were subordinate to the secretary of the Central Committee responsible for their portfolio, and, at least unofficially, to the General Secretary.