the Deutsche Mark. Life after politics Since leaving politics, Scharping established his own company with a focus on business development in China. Scharping is a passionate cyclist; in 2005, he became the chairman of the Bund Deutscher Radfahrer. In addition, he took on a variety of paid and unpaid positions, including as member of the board of trustees at the Bonner Akademie für Forschung und Lehre praktischer Politik (BAPP). He is a Senior Network Member at the European Leadership Network (ELN). References External links Extensive Biography 1947 births Living people People from Westerwaldkreis Members of the Landtag of Rhineland-Palatinate Members of the Bundestag 2002–2005 Members of the Bundestag 1998–2002 Members of the Bundestag 1994–1998 Defence ministers of Germany Presidents of the Party of European Socialists Members of the Bundestag for Rhineland-Palatinate University of Bonn alumni Ministers-President of Rhineland Palatinate Members of the Bundestag for the Social Democratic Party of Germany