Ex-German President Horst Köhler Dies At 81

Horst Köhler, the former President of Germany and former head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), has passed away at the age of 81 after a brief illness. He died on Saturday morning in Berlin, surrounded by his family.

Köhler served as the President of Germany from 2004 to 2010, a tenure marked by his popularity with the public, despite his initial outsider status in German politics. His resignation from the presidency in 2010, which came after controversial remarks about Germany’s military involvement abroad, shocked the country.

Köhler was not a well-known political figure before his election to the presidency, and his nomination was met with surprise by the German press, notably with the headline “Horst Who?” in the Daily Bild. However, once in office, he became a highly respected figure due to his approachable and optimistic nature, his advocacy for Germany’s strength, and his candid and often uncomfortable speeches. Köhler was particularly known for his belief in the energy and creativity of the German people.

Throughout his presidency, Köhler occasionally refused to sign bills into law over constitutional concerns, often challenging the status quo. His approach to leadership earned him admiration, though it sometimes put him at odds with Chancellor Angela Merkel’s government. He was a staunch advocate for Germany’s ability to embrace change, particularly during a time of labor market and welfare reforms.

Born on February 22, 1943, in what was then Nazi-occupied Poland, Köhler’s family later moved to West Germany. He studied economics and political science at the University of Tübingen, where he earned his doctorate in economics. Before becoming president, he also held significant roles in international financial institutions, including leading the IMF.

In his passing, current German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier expressed his condolences to Köhler’s wife, Eva Louise, describing him as “highly esteemed and extremely popular” and acknowledging his immense contributions both within Germany and globally. He is survived by his wife, daughter Ulrike, and son Jochen.

Köhler’s death has left a deep void, and many in Germany and beyond will mourn his loss as a leader who believed in progress, unity, and the potential of his country.