Erfurt (dpa/th) - The CDU Thuringia is launching a new award. On the occasion of the 90th birthday of the long-standing Prime Minister Bernhard Vogel, the Bernhard Vogel Medal is to be awarded in the future. The state association announced this on Thursday. "In the future, we want to pay special tribute to members who have made outstanding contributions to Thuringia and the CDU," said CDU state chairman Mario Voigt. "Our great role model, both politically and personally, is our honorary chairman, to whom this award is dedicated."

Bernhard Vogel was Prime Minister of Thuringia from 1992 to 2003. At the beginning of the week, the CDU politician celebrated his 90th birthday. At the celebrations on Wednesday evening in Erfurt, he himself received the first Bernhard Vogel medal. From next year, the award will be presented in gold by the state board and in silver by the district associations.