Mahmut Özdemir

Mahmut Özdemir (born 23 June 1987 in Duisburg, Germany) is a German politician for the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) who has been a member of the Bundestag since 2013, representing the Duisburg II district.

In addition to his parliamentary work, Özdemir served as Parliamentary State Secretary in the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community in the coalition government of Chancellor Olaf Scholz from 2021 to 2025.

Early life and education Özdemir was born on 23 June 1987, in Duisburg's Homberg district, Germany, to Turkish parents Zeki and Aynur, who emigrated from Turkey as "guest workers". After finishing high school with Abitur, he studied law at the University of Düsseldorf, graduating in 2011. He was then employed at the district court in Düsseldorf as a jurist trainee. He spent his whole life in his hometown even during his university years.

Political career Career in local politics Özdemir joined the SPD in 2001 at the age of fourteen, and was active in the Young Socialists in the SPD (Jusos) organization. Özdemir climbed up to the top position in the regional organization of the party in Homberg. In the regional elections of 2009, he became a member of the city council in his hometown Duisburg.

Other activities Stiftung Forum Recht, Member of the Board of Trustees (since 2022) Business Forum of the Social Democratic Party of Germany, Member of the Political Advisory Board (since 2020) Rotary International, Member (since 2017) Federal Agency for Civic Education, Member of the Board of Trustees (since 2014) MSV Duisburg, Member (since 2013) IG Bergbau, Chemie, Energie (IG BCE), Member (since 2010)