Uta Nickel

Nickel was born in Leipzig on 19 July 1941.^[1][2] She studied economics.^[3]

Nickel joined the ruling party of East Germany, Socialist Unity, in 1960.^[2] She served as the councillor of finance of Leipzig in the period between 1963 and 1976.^[2] She was state secretary for finances and prices from 1988 to 1989.^[1] She was appointed minister of finance and prices on 18 November 1989, replacing Ernst Höfner in the post.^[4] She was part of the reform-minded cabinet formed by Hans Modrow.^[5]

She resigned from the office in January 1990 following the allegations that she was involved in illegal payments.^[3] Upon these accusations, she was investigated by the prosecutor general for financial breach of trust.^[3] Nickel denied any wrongdoing.^[6] Nickel's term officially ended on 12 April 1990 when Walter Siegert was appointed as acting finance minister.^[7]

After retiring from politics Nickel worked as a consultant for two property development companies based in Cologne.^[2]