Horst Koehler, former German president from 2004 to 2010 and a respected global policymaker with a particular interest in Africa, died on Saturday after a short illness at the age of 81, the federal presidential office said in a statement.
Born in 1943 in German-occupied Poland, Koehler spent most of his early years living in refugee camps with his family before settling in Ludwigsburg, Baden-Wuerttemberg.
A trained economist and member of the Christian Democrats, Koehler rose to the position of deputy finance minister under ex-Chancellor Helmut Kohl, playing a key role in bringing the West German mark to East Germany after communist rule collapsed in 1990.
Koehler became managing director of the International Monetary Fund in 2000, a post he held for four years before being nominated for president in 2004.
As president, he was not afraid to defy the government, dissolving parliament in 2005 to call new elections and accusing then-Chancellor Angela Merkel in 2007 of not preparing the country sufficiently for globalisation.
But he stepped down a year into his second term after he was criticised for stating in a radio interview that foreign military action by the German army also served the country's economic interests.
Still, despite being a largely unknown figure before assuming the presidency, Koehler quickly proved himself in opinion polls to be one of Germany's most popular political figures.
"It was his belief in the strength of our country and in the energy and creativity of its people that allowed him to win so many hearts," German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said in a statement on Saturday.
Russia warned that German-supplied Taurus missiles targeting its infrastructure would amount to direct German involvement in the Ukraine conflict.
Oman, the Netherlands, and Germany have signed an agreement to establish the world’s first liquid green hydrogen import corridor, linking Oman’s Duqm port with Amsterdam and Duisburg. The project aims to supply Europe with renewable hydrogen, supporting clean energy goals.
Germany has unveiled a new military aid package for Ukraine, reinforcing its support in the war against Russia.
German conservative leader Friedrich Merz has secured a coalition deal with the centre-left SPD, just as U.S. tariffs under President Trump increase the risk of a global recession.
Germany has suspended admissions of refugees via a UN resettlement programme, the interior ministry said on Tuesday, as a new coalition government that is expected to tighten immigration rules prepares to take office.
Sam Altman has stepped down as chair of nuclear start-up Oklo, citing a potential conflict of interest ahead of talks with OpenAI over a future energy supply deal. The move comes as the pressure mounts to power artificial intelligence with stable, low-carbon energy sources.
Pedro Lucas Fernandes has declined President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s offer to become Minister for Communications—a key post that oversees the country’s telecoms and postal system.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has claimed that Chinese citizens are working at a drone production site in Russia and suggested that Moscow may have “stolen” drone technology from China
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday stated his readiness to negotiate with Russia “in any format” once a ceasefire takes effect. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly proposed halting his invasion at the current front lines, according to the Financial Times.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly suggested halting his invasion at current front-line positions as part of a peace initiative with U.S. President Donald Trump.
The Holy Fire ceremony stands as one of Christianity's most enduring and mysterious rituals, drawing thousands of pilgrims to Jerusalem each year.
Pope Francis's relationship with Azerbaijan has evolved significantly over the years, characterized by diplomatic exchanges, promotion of religious tolerance, and peace advocacy in the Caucasus region.
Severe rainfall on April 17 led to flooding and landslides in the Piedmont region, prompting a large-scale emergency response from over 400 firefighters.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 16th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope and a transformative figure in the Roman Catholic Church, has passed away at the age of 88, the Vatican confirmed in a video statement on Monday.
Pedro Lucas Fernandes has declined President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s offer to become Minister for Communications—a key post that oversees the country’s telecoms and postal system.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has claimed that Chinese citizens are working at a drone production site in Russia and suggested that Moscow may have “stolen” drone technology from China
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday stated his readiness to negotiate with Russia “in any format” once a ceasefire takes effect. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly proposed halting his invasion at the current front lines, according to the Financial Times.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly suggested halting his invasion at current front-line positions as part of a peace initiative with U.S. President Donald Trump.
U.S. President Donald Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, is traveling to Moscow this week for renewed peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The White House confirmed Tuesday that Witkoff will attempt to advance negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.
Sam Altman has stepped down as chair of nuclear start-up Oklo, citing a potential conflict of interest ahead of talks with OpenAI over a future energy supply deal. The move comes as the pressure mounts to power artificial intelligence with stable, low-carbon energy sources.
Pedro Lucas Fernandes has declined President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s offer to become Minister for Communications—a key post that oversees the country’s telecoms and postal system.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has claimed that Chinese citizens are working at a drone production site in Russia and suggested that Moscow may have “stolen” drone technology from China
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday stated his readiness to negotiate with Russia “in any format” once a ceasefire takes effect. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly proposed halting his invasion at the current front lines, according to the Financial Times.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly suggested halting his invasion at current front-line positions as part of a peace initiative with U.S. President Donald Trump.
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