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Olaf Karsten Lies is a prominent German politician and a member of the Social Democratic Party (SPD). Over the years, Lies has emerged as an influential figure in Niedersachsen (Lower Saxony) politics, occupying a number of powerful positions in the state administration.
Biography
Olaf was born on May 8, 1967, in Wilhelmshaven, Germany. Olaf was raised in Wilhelmshaven, and he went to Sande for senior school, an orientation stage, and primary school. He started an apprenticeship as a communications electronics technician at the Marine Arsenal Wilhelmshaven after finishing his education. Lies then served in the German Navy for his required military duty.
Lies attended Fachhochschule Wilhelmshaven to further his studies after his service, and he majored in electrical engineering. He received his diploma as an engineer (Diplom-Ingenieur FH). After starting employment as a research assistant at Fachhochschule Wilhelmshaven in 1995, Lies actively participated in the works council and eventually rose to the position of chairman.
In 2002, Olaf Llies joined the SPD, and his political career officially began. He joined the Sande municipal council and was elected chair of the SPD local chapter in Sande, which rapidly increased his level of involvement in local politics. He was elected SPD Friesland subdistrict deputy chair in 2003, and two years later he was elected district chair. When he was elected to the Weser-Ems SPD district board in 2005, his influence inside the party grew even more.
Lies was elected straight to the Niedersachsen Landtag (state parliament) in 2008, representing the Friesland constituency. He was re-elected in 2013, 2017, and 2022, solidifying his place as a major player in Lower Saxony politics. In addition, he was the SPD’s spokeswoman for port policy and the deputy head of the party’s parliamentary group from 2010 to 2013.
In 2011, Olaf Lies announced his candidacy for the SPD’s top candidate for the 2013 Lower Saxony state election. Despite a strong campaign, he lost the nomination to Hannover’s mayor, Stephan Weil, who received 53.3% of the vote compared to Lies’ 46.1%. Following this defeat, Lies stepped down as party chair and was re-elected as the deputy chair of the SPD Lower Saxony in January 2012, with support from Weil himself.
In November 2022, Olaf Lies was appointed Minister for Economic Affairs, Building, Transport, and Digitalization in Weil’s third cabinet. This role reinforced his status as one of the key figures in Lower Saxony’s state government, overseeing a wide range of economic, infrastructure, and technological initiatives.
In April 2025, Stephan Weil announced that he would step down from his position as Minister President of Lower Saxony and chair of the SPD Lower Saxony.
Olaf’s Age, Birthdate, Height, Weight
Olaf was born on May 8, 1967, and as of 2025, he is 57 years old. However, his height and weight have not been revealed.
Olaf’s Wife, Children
There is no information about his wife and children.
Olaf Lies Net Worth
As of 2025, his net worth has not been revealed to the public.
