Hans Modrow, who has died aged 95, was the last communist prime minister of the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) before free elections took place in March 1990. Taking office at the height of the peaceful revolution in 1989, Modrow immediately set up a grand coalition government of all five parties, giving up his leading role in the Socialist Unity party (SED). He set out to reform the command economy, developed new ideas about education and within weeks dissolved the state security apparatus (the Stasi).
Modrow had long been a popular figure in the party hierarchy and was known for his tolerance, innovative approach and lack of dogmatism. He was one of the few leaders who publicly criticised the longtime SED chief Erich Honecker. Such attitudes did not endear him to the leadership, who were also suspicious of his popularity.
