Germany is mourning the passing of Horst Köhler, its former president, who died on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at the age of 81 after a brief illness.
A statement from Germany’s Presidency confirmed his passing, stating, “Köhler passed away early this morning in Berlin after a short, serious illness, surrounded by his family.”
A Life of Public Service
Köhler served as Germany’s Head of State from 2004 to 2010, a tenure marked by both national leadership and international diplomacy. Before assuming the presidency, he held prestigious global positions, including serving as the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) from 2000 to 2004.
His presidency ended in 2010 when he resigned following backlash over remarks he made about Germany’s military engagements. Despite the controversy, he remained a respected figure in German and global politics.
Early Life and Career
Born on February 22, 1943, in Skierbieszów, which was then under Nazi-occupied Poland, Köhler’s family—of German descent—later resettled in Leipzig, East Germany, before fleeing to West Germany in 1953.
He pursued economics and political science at the University of Tübingen, where he earned a doctorate in economics in 1977. Köhler’s career saw him take on crucial financial and political roles, shaping policies in both Germany and the international community.
His death marks the loss of a leader whose contributions to Germany and global financial institutions left a lasting impact.
