Michel Friedman, born in Paris in 1956 to a family of Schindlerjuden, established a multifaceted professional presence in Germany as a lawyer, politician, and television presenter. His career spans decades of public life in Frankfurt, characterized by his roles in the Christian Democratic Union, his contributions to broadcast media, and his academic work in law and philosophy.
Early Life and Academic Foundation
The family relocated from Paris to Frankfurt am Main in 1965. Friedman attended the Goethe-Gymnasium before pursuing higher education at the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz and Goethe University Frankfurt. He eventually earned both a Doctor of Laws and a Doctor of Philosophy. His formative years were deeply shaped by his family history; his parents and grandmother were recruited by Oskar Schindler for slave labor, providing them a narrow survival path from the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Political and Legal Career
Friedman practiced law in Frankfurt, later becoming a partner in an international firm focusing on financial and media law. His political engagement included serving as a member of the city council assembly of Frankfurt from 1985 to 1993 and again from 1993 to 1997. As a member of the national board of the CDU, he maintained a significant profile until his resignation in 2003, and he later formally left the party in January 2025 following disagreements regarding collaboration with the AfD.
Broadcasting and Public Discourse
Television became a primary medium for his commentary starting in 1998 with the show Vorsicht! Friedman on Hessischer Rundfunk. He later hosted Studio Friedman on the N24 and Welt channels starting in 2004, and the program Auf ein Wort on Deutsche Welle in 2017. His journalistic work includes high-profile interviews, such as a 2016 session with Turkish Minister Akif Çağatay Kılıç that resulted in the confiscation of recordings by the Turkish government, an act condemned as a violation of press freedom.
Professional Recognition and Controversy
Friedman received the Officer of the Legion of Honour in 2000 and the Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in 2001. In 2003, his public career faced a significant challenge following a conviction for cocaine possession. He was fined €17,400, which ended his tenure at the Central Council of Jews and his active political roles at that time. He remains a professor at the Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences.
Fast facts
- Born: 1956, Paris
- Citizenship: Germany
- Academic Degrees: Doctor of Philosophy, Doctor of Laws
- Spouse: Bärbel Schäfer
- Notable Recognition: Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit (2001)
- Professional Role: Professor at Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences
- Former Political Affiliation: Christian Democratic Union (CDU)
Questions readers ask
What is the professional background of Michel Friedman?
He is a lawyer, jurist, philosopher, politician, television presenter, and journalist who has taught at the Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences.
When did Friedman leave the CDU?
He announced his departure from the Christian Democratic Union in January 2025.
Achievements
- Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany — 2001
- Officer of the Legion of Honour — 2000
- Held posts at Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences
- Fields: politics, law and opinion journalism
