Horst Köhler, erstwhile German president, is dead. The politician died on Saturday at the age of 81 after a short, severe illness. He was the ninth leader of the West Germany, and held his office from July 2004 until a abrupt resignation 15 years ago. Köhler was born in a village close Zamość, in the time erstwhile the 3rd Reich occupied Poland.
Death Horst Köhler informed the Office of the national president on Sunday morning. As stated in the authoritative release, erstwhile German leader died Saturday morning at the age of 81 surrounded by the household in Berlin. Recently, he was struggling with a severe illness.
Horst Köhler is dead. Germany mentions the erstwhile President
Before becoming president of Köhler, he was a little-known majority of Germans. Its low visibility is best demonstrated by the fact that, just after being appointed, “Bild” published an article entitled “Horst Who?” (Horst, who? – ed.). In later years, however, the president of Germany gained large popularity, partially positioning as an outsider in relation to the political elite of the country.
The ultimate Office in the State held from 2004 After his first five-year word he was re-elected in 2009, however, on 31 May 2010 unexpectedly He stepped down.
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This decision was a step without precedent in the past of Germany. The direct origin was media criticism after a radio interview in which the president justified participation of the Bundeswehr in abroad missions the request to defend German economical interests. Critics accused him of defending the presence of German soldiers in this way – in their opinion wrongly – Afghanistan.
Köhler's candidate was pushed through by Angela MerkelWho thought she was gonna put an ally in the presidential palace. However, this 1 was highly independent and was frequently criticized by the government.
Horst Köhler died. He said that Poland “is at his heart”
By education, Horst Köhler was economistwho began his career in 1976 in the Ministry of Economy. In 1990, he became Secretary of State in the Ministry of Finance, and in 2000 took up the position of Head of the global Monetary Fund.
As head of the IMF, he paid large attention to Africa, seeking equality between the continent and Europe. He besides attached large importance to his relation with Poland. After the 2004 election for president on the first abroad journey he went first to WarsawAnd then to Paris, breaking up with a long-standing tradition. He did the same after re-election in 2009.
– I want to signal that Poland is at my heart said during a joint press conference with the president of Poland Lech Kaczyński.
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Interestingly, the politician was born in February 1943 in Skirbish close Zamość, on the territory of Poland occupied by the Germans during the war. His household was displaced from Besarabia as part of the 3rd Reich's population exchange and Germanization of occupied areas.
To the place driven from Pomerania Poles were settled in Germany from Southeast Europe. Koehler family She lived in Skierbieszow for over a year; then ran distant from the upcoming russian army.
