Claus Ruhe Madsen (born 27 August 1972) is a Danish and German entrepreneur who is active as an independent politician in Germany.

He is currently serving as Minister for Economics, Transport, Labour, Technology and Tourism in the Schleswig-Holstein state government since June 2022.

He wanted to join the Royal Life Guards, but chose instead to travel abroad at his parents' insistence.

In 2017, Madsen took over the organization of the Hanse-Tour Sonnenschein, an annual cycling event in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern attracting more than 200 participants which raises money for children suffering from cancer and chronic illness.

[3] In the leadup to the mayoral election, Madsen was criticised by trade unions as well as the youth branches of both the Social Democrats and Left for underpaying employees at his furniture company by several hundred euros per month.

Madsen claimed he could not afford to pay standard wages and that his employees received other perks such as "daycare grants for parents, training, free drinks and occasional bonuses".

[6] For the second round, he was endorsed by the Independent Citizens for Rostock (UFR), party of outgoing mayor Roland Methling.

[7][8] During the COVID-19 pandemic, Madsen attracted attention for his cautious and unorthodox approach to combating the virus, calling for more flexibility for local authorities to minimise infection while allowing life to continue.

[9][10] After the 2022 Schleswig-Holstein state election, rumours began circulating that Madsen would become economics minister in the new second Günther cabinet.