Berlin: Former German President Horst Koehler has passed away at the age of 81 after an illness, according to the Office of the Federal President of Germany. Koehler served as Germany’s president from July 2004 to May 2010 but unexpectedly resigned following criticism of his comments about Germany’s military operations abroad.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier expressed condolences to Eva Luise Koehler on Saturday, acknowledging her husband’s contributions to the country. Before becoming president, Koehler was the head of the IMF from 2000 to 2004 and held various roles in the civil service and banking sectors.
Koehler became Germany’s head of state, a largely ceremonial position, after being nominated by then-opposition leader Angela Merkel, who later became chancellor. Steinmeier noted that when Koehler was elected, he was “virtually unknown” in Germany. He was re-elected for a second term in 2009 but resigned in May 2010 after his controversial remarks in an interview that linked Germany’s military presence in Afghanistan to protecting economic interests. This stirred a significant debate, given the sensitivity in Germany regarding military involvement abroad due to the memories of the Nazi era.
Koehler often emphasized the importance of confidence in Germany’s strength, as well as the creativity and vitality of its people.