Stoph, Willi (1914–1999)

East German politician. The leading economist in the ruling East German party after World War II, he became a member of its central committee in 1950 and of East Germany's Politburo in 1953. He also helped develop the police and the army in the German Democratic Republic, and succeeded Otto Grotewohl as its president in 1964. Stoph's meetings with Willy Brandt in 1970 helped to inaugurate the latter's Ostpolitik. He was the chairman of the council of ministers (1964–73) and chairman of the council of state (1973–76). Stoph was born in Berlin, Germany.