Horst Köhler Biography: Early Life, Education, Career, Presidency, Personal Life, Death


Horst Köhler, born on February 22, 1943 was a German politician and the former president of Germany from 2004 - 2010


Horst Köhler, born on February 22, 1943 was a German politician and the former president of Germany from 2004 - 2010. A year into his second tenure as president, he resigned from his office following a controversy in which he made a comment about the role of the then German Bundeswehr.

On February 1 2025, Horst Köhler died in Berlin, Germany after a brief illness.


Horst Köhler Early Life and Education

Horst Köhler was born on February 22, 1943 in Skierbieszów, Poland, to a family of Bessarabian Germans. His family fled their homeland in 1944 and settled in Leipzig, East Germany. 

After completing his Abitur in 1963, Köhler studied economics at the University of Tübingen, graduating in 1969. He later earned his doctorate in economics from the University of Tübingen in 1977. 


Horst Köhler Career 

Horst Köhler started his career in the civil service before eventually venturing into other positions and offices.

Secretary of State, President and Managing Director

Horst Köhler began his career in the Federal Ministry of Finance in 1969, where he worked his way up to become Secretary of State in 1990. In 1993, he became the President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), a position he held until 1998.

In 2000, Köhler became the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), where he played a key role in shaping the organization's response to the Asian financial crisis.

Presidency

On July 23, 2004, Köhler was elected as the President of Germany by the Federal Convention, succeeding Johannes Rau. He was re-elected for a second term on May 23, 2009.

During his presidency, Köhler focused on promoting globalization, poverty reduction, and climate change mitigation. He also played a key role in shaping Germany's foreign policy, particularly with regards to Africa.

Resignation and Later Life

Köhler resigned as President on May 31, 2010, after facing criticism for his comments on the German military's role in Afghanistan.

After his resignation, Köhler continued to be involved in various international organizations and initiatives. He served as a member of the UN Secretary-General's High-level Panel on the Post-2015 Development Agenda and as the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Western Sahara.


Horst Köhler Personal Life

Horst Köhler married Eva Luise Bohnen in 1969, and they have two children together.


Horst Köhler Death

Horst Köhler passed away on February 1, 2025, at the age of 81 in Berlin, Germany. The cause of his death is still unknown to the public.