Friedrich Dickel

Friedrich Dickel (9 December 1913 – 23 October 1993) was a German politician, veteran of the International Brigades in the Spanish Civil War and law enforcement administrator who served as the interior minister for nearly twenty-six years, the longest-serving individual to hold that post in East Germany.

Early life Dickel was born on 9 December 1913 in Vohwinkel, later part of Wuppertal, in the Prussian Rhine Province of the German Empire.

Career Dickel joined the Communist Party of Germany in 1931. His tenure in the SED central committee was between 1967 and 1989. He also served as a police chief in East Berlin.

Dickel was appointed interior minister on 14 November 1963, replacing Karl Maron in the post. He also led the Volkspolizei during his tenure. One of the policies he introduced include the regulation and control of immigration and returnees. Dickel's term ended on 18 November 1989 when he was dismissed as a result of the atmosphere of change and reform in the country which began leading up to German reunification. He was a military officer with the rank of colonel general, before being promoted to army general in 1984. In December 1989 Dickel retired from politics.

Death After a long illness Dickel died in Berlin on 23 October 1993.

Awards Dickel was the recipient of the Order of Karl Marx which was awarded to him in June 1985 on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the German People's Police.