Tributes Paid to Horst Köhler: A Legacy of Service and Diplomacy

Berlin recently held a solemn ceremony to honor the life and contributions of former German President Horst Köhler, who passed away at the age of 81 following a brief illness. The event included a memorial service and a state funeral, attended by numerous political figures and dignitaries.

During the service at the Berlin Cathedral, current President Frank-Walter Steinmeier reflected on Köhler's unwavering commitment to public service. He characterized Köhler as a man who engaged with others with remarkable warmth and attentiveness. Steinmeier emphasized Köhler's role as a dedicated servant to the community, highlighting his efforts to forge friendships and partnerships across the globe.

Köhler's political journey began when he joined the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in 1981. He was elected President of Germany in 2004 and was re-elected in 2009. However, his presidency came to an unexpected end the following year when he resigned after facing criticism for advocating military measures to protect German trade routes.

The former finance minister, Theo Waigel, spoke at the memorial, noting that Köhler's ideas about military engagement had influenced subsequent German governments. Meanwhile, former Austrian President Heinz Fischer remarked on Köhler's desire to be an independent and occasionally challenging figure in the role of presidency, asserting that he maintained a political stance while rising above party politics.

Prominent attendees included Chancellor Olaf Scholz, former Chancellor Angela Merkel, and previous Presidents Joachim Gauck and Christian Wulff, alongside Bundestag President Bärbel Bas and the President of the Federal Constitutional Court, Stephan Harbarth.

In a touching tribute, former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta spoke of Köhler's dedication to bridging the gap between Africa and Europe, particularly focusing on empowering the youth in Africa. Köhler's commitment to African development was evident during and after his presidency, earning him significant respect and credibility on the continent.

Steinmeier noted that Köhler's work had transformed the German perspective on Africa, establishing him as a credible representative of Europe in many parts of the continent.

Reflecting on Köhler's early life, Steinmeier pointed out that he was born in 1943 in what is now Poland, as the seventh of eight children. His family fled to the Federal Republic of Germany, and Köhler's remarkable journey from a refugee child to the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund and eventually the President of Germany symbolizes the potential of the young Federal Republic.