Kretschmer: Horst Köhler was an outstanding statesman

Minister President Michael Kretschmer (CDU) has paid tribute to former Federal President Horst Köhler as an "outstanding statesman". Köhler has worked for the country with foresight and great commitment. "His commitment to social justice and international cooperation will remain unforgotten," wrote Kretschmer on the online platform X. "We will remember him as a clever, warm-hearted and sincere person."

According to the Office of the Federal President, Köhler died early on Saturday morning at the age of 81 after a short, serious illness. He held Germany's highest state office from 2004 to 2010.