Former German President Horst Koehler dies at age 81

Former German President Horst Koehler, who served as head of state from 2004 to 2010, died on February 1 at the age of 81 after a short illness.

Former German President Horst Koehler. (Source: rbb24.de)

The German president's office said Mr Koehler "passed away early this morning in Berlin... after a short serious illness, surrounded by his family".

In a letter of condolence to the late leader's family, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier emphasized that the passing of former President Horst Koehler is a great loss because he was a man who did many great things for Germany and the world.

Before becoming President, he was formally trained and served as Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Before joining the IMF in May 2000, Mr. Koehler (then 57 years old) was President of the European Bank for Reconstruction. He also held the positions of Deputy Minister of Finance of Germany and President of the German Banking Association.

As head of state, he has always received high trust from the people. Therefore, right before the election on May 23, 2009, public opinion polls showed that up to 2/3 of the German people wanted Mr. Koehler to continue his role as president for another 5-year term.

While in office, in May 2007, Mr. Horst Kohler made an official visit to Vietnam.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/former-president-horst-koehler-tu-tran-o-tuoi-81-302840.html