Former German President Horst Köhler. Photo: Wojtek Jargilo / PAP
Former German President Horst Köhler, who held the post from 2004 to 2010, died at the age of 81 after a serious illness. This was reported by the press service of the Federal President of Germany, DW reports.
“Horst Köhler died this morning in Berlin, surrounded by his family,” the statement reads.
A figure who shaped European politics
Although the German president has a predominantly representative role, Köhler is remembered as a politician with a clear economic vision. Prior to his election, he was the head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and played a key role in EU financial policy.
In 2010, he resigned after making controversial remarks about Germany’s military missions abroad, which caused a public outcry.
Köhler’s legacy includes active support for European integration and reform of the global financial system. Politicians and world leaders have already expressed their condolences on his death.
