Former President Passes Away At 81

Former German President, Horst Köhler passed away on Saturday morning in Berlin after a brief illness.

The announcement of the death of Horst Köhler was made by the office of the current German President, Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

Köhler, who served as Germany’s head of state from 2004 to 2010, was 81 years old and was surrounded by his family at the time of his passing.

President Steinmeier expressed deep sorrow over Köhler’s death, describing him as “a highly esteemed and extremely popular person who achieved great things — for our country and in the world.” In a letter of condolence to Köhler’s widow, Eva Luise Köhler, he recalled how Köhler, initially unfamiliar to the public when he took office, quickly gained widespread recognition and admiration. “Everything he said and did was usually preceded by long and deep reflections and discussions,”*Steinmeier added.

Before entering politics, Horst Köhler was an economist and had served as the managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Despite being a political newcomer, he was strongly supported by former Chancellor Angela Merkel, who pushed for his presidency in 2004. His appointment was met with skepticism at first, with Germany’s Bild newspaper famously running the headline “Horst Who?” However, over time, he won the public’s trust and built a strong reputation.

Horst Köhler’s presidency ended in 2010 when he resigned following controversy over comments he made during a visit to Afghanistan. After leaving office, he remained active in global affairs, particularly focusing on development projects in Africa and climate change initiatives.

He is survived by his wife, Eva Luise, their two children, and several grandchildren.
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