Katherina Reiche, the newly appointed Federal Minister of Economics, and Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, a former minister, have officially confirmed their romantic relationship. The announcement comes amid Reiche's recent political elevation within the new black-red coalition government.
On April 28, 2025, Reiche's lawyer, Christian Schertz, confirmed to the German Press Agency (dpa) that the couple has been in a relationship for some time. The news marks a significant moment in German politics, where the pair is being viewed as a new glamorous couple, reminiscent of the political allure once held by Guttenberg and his ex-wife, Stephanie, who were dubbed the "German Kennedys" during their time in the spotlight.
Reiche, 51, hails from Luckenwalde in Brandenburg and has a robust political background. She served as a member of the Bundestag from 1998 to 2015, where she was known for her ambitious and confident demeanor. From 2005 to 2009, she held the position of deputy chair of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, focusing on education, research, and environmental policies. After leaving politics, she transitioned into the business sector, becoming the CEO of Westenergie, a subsidiary of E.on, where she played a crucial role in the energy industry.
Guttenberg, now 53, stepped away from politics in 2011 following a plagiarism scandal that marred his career. Since then, he has reinvented himself as a consultant and entrepreneur, working on various documentary projects and publishing a book titled "3 Sekunden – Notizen aus der Gegenwart" in autumn 2023. His return to the public eye has been bolstered by his relationship with Reiche, which has sparked interest and speculation about their future together in the political arena.
The couple was first seen together publicly at the CHIO equestrian tournament in Aachen on July 7, 2024, where they appeared relaxed and comfortable in each other's company. This sighting followed months of speculation about their relationship, which had initially been the subject of whispers and rumors.
As Reiche steps into her new role as Federal Minister of Economics, she faces the challenge of navigating Germany's economic landscape, which is currently marked by uncertainty and the need for reform. Her appointment comes at a time when the government is looking to implement significant changes to bolster the economy and address pressing issues such as energy transition and sustainability.
The new coalition government, led by Friedrich Merz, 69, aims to bring together the strengths of both the CDU and the SPD to create a stable and effective administration. Reiche's experience in both politics and business positions her as a key player in this initiative, and her relationship with Guttenberg adds an intriguing dynamic to her role.
Despite the excitement surrounding their romance, Schertz emphasized the importance of respecting the couple's privacy. He stated that no further comments would be made regarding their relationship, highlighting a desire to keep their personal lives separate from their public personas.
As the political landscape evolves, many are curious about how Reiche and Guttenberg will navigate their respective careers while maintaining their relationship in the public eye. Their partnership is already drawing attention, and some speculate that it could influence their professional paths moving forward.
In summary, Katherina Reiche and Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg's relationship has added a new layer of intrigue to German politics. With Reiche's recent appointment as Federal Minister of Economics and Guttenberg's return to the public sphere, their union is poised to capture the interest of both political observers and the general public alike. As they embark on this new chapter together, the implications of their relationship will undoubtedly be closely watched by those in and outside the political realm.
