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The Presidency in Germany confirmed in a statement that its former President Mr Horst Köhler (81) died on Saturday, 1 February 2025 after a short illness in Berlin. The Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Ms Kristalina Georgieva has since extended her condolences to the family.
Köhler became the eighth Managing Director of the IMF from 2000 to 2004, before becoming the President of Germany from 1 July 2004 to 31 May 2010. Georgieva says he will be remembered for his stellar leadership which he showcased during a difficult time, while the world was navigating the 9/11 terror attack on the twin towers of the world trade centre in America in 2001.
“It is with great sadness that we have learned of the passing of Horst Köhler, who was the eighth Managing Director of the Fund and ably led our institution between 2000 and 2004. Mr. Köhler will be remembered for his many contributions, and in particular for navigating the Fund’s work through the difficult period after September 11, 2001. He mobilized the Fund and the international community to help the low-income and heavily indebted members, championing greater transparency and strong governance.
“During his distinguished career, he played a key role in Germany’s unification in 1990 as Deputy Finance Minister of the Federal Republic of Germany and was instrumental in drafting the legal framework for the introduction of the euro. He served as president of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, before joining the IMF as Managing Director. In 2004 he left the IMF to become president of the Federal Republic of Germany, winning the hearts of many for his principled approach. Throughout a large part of his life, he was particularly devoted to drawing the world’s attention to the needs of the African continent – something many of us at the Fund greatly admired.
“On behalf of the IMF, I wish to offer our deepest condolences to Mr. Köhler’s family – his wife Eva, his two children Ulrike and Jochen, and his grandchildren. Mr. Köhler led a life of distinguished public service, and leaves behind a profound legacy of dedication to fairness and justice and an unfailing concern for others,” said Kristalina Georgieva.
