Berlin, Germany – February 18, 2025
Germany will bid farewell to former President Horst Köhler with a state funeral at Berlin Cathedral on Tuesday, following his passing on February 1, 2025, at the age of 81. The ceremony is expected to be attended by high-ranking government officials, dignitaries, and family members.
Köhler, who served as Germany’s head of state from 2004 to 2010, died in Berlin after a brief illness. His family confirmed that he was surrounded by loved ones at the time of his passing.
Born in 1943 in Skierbieszów, Nazi-occupied Poland, Köhler’s family fled to West Germany during World War II. He pursued a distinguished career in economic diplomacy before assuming the presidency, serving as the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) from 2000 to 2004.
As president, Köhler was widely respected for his commitment to constitutional matters and efforts to strengthen Germany’s global engagement. However, he resigned unexpectedly in 2010 following controversy over remarks he made regarding military deployments.
His state funeral will serve as a moment of reflection on his contributions to Germany and the international community, marking the final farewell to a leader who played a significant role in shaping modern German diplomacy.
