Germany's Former President Horst Koehler Dies at 81
Horst Koehler, former German president and ex-IMF head, passes away after a brief illness.
Horst Koehler, Germany's former president, passed away on Saturday at the age of 81 following a short illness, officials confirmed.
Koehler, an economist by training, served as president from 2004 to 2010, a largely ceremonial role in the German political system.
Before his presidency, he was the head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington, becoming the first non-career politician to hold the German presidency.
Koehler was nominated by opposition leader Angela Merkel, who would later become chancellor.
During his time in office, he was widely respected, with President Frank-Walter Steinmeier expressing deep condolences, praising Koehler for his significant contributions to Germany and the world.
Koehler was re-elected for a second term in 2009, but resigned in May 2010 following controversy over comments he made regarding Germany's military missions abroad.
He died in Berlin, surrounded by his family, according to the German presidency.
Koehler, an economist by training, served as president from 2004 to 2010, a largely ceremonial role in the German political system.
Before his presidency, he was the head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington, becoming the first non-career politician to hold the German presidency.
Koehler was nominated by opposition leader Angela Merkel, who would later become chancellor.
During his time in office, he was widely respected, with President Frank-Walter Steinmeier expressing deep condolences, praising Koehler for his significant contributions to Germany and the world.
Koehler was re-elected for a second term in 2009, but resigned in May 2010 following controversy over comments he made regarding Germany's military missions abroad.
He died in Berlin, surrounded by his family, according to the German presidency.
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