Gerhard Pietersen

Gerhard Pietersen (6 January 1889-7 November 1951) was a Marianan politician and former Prime Minister, a longtime member of the Liberal Party. He was Prime Minister from 1939 to 1949. During the German occupation years, he led a government in exile in Sierra.

Pietersen's premiership has long divided opinion; while in office he was viewed quite favourably by citizens and the press, but in the postwar period, historians began to re-evaluate his appeasement line and inability to readily commit to Mariana's defense during the early years of World War II.

Early life and education
Pietersen studied economics at the Royal University of Palma.

Early political career
Pietersen joined the Liberals in 1909 while in university, later