Former German President Horst Köhler has died

Former German President Horst Köhler died at the age of 81 years. This was announced on February 1 by the press service of the office of the head of state.

"In deep sorrow, the office of Federal President Horst Köhler announces on behalf of the Köhler family that Prof. Dr. Horst Köhler passed away early this morning at the age of 81 in the circle of his family in Berlin after a brief serious illness," the statement said.

Acting head of state Frank-Walter Steinmeier expressed condolences to the wife of the deceased, Eva Louise Köhler.

"Many people in our country will mourn with you. Because with Horst Köhler we are losing a very valuable and extremely popular person who did great things - for our country and for the whole world. When Horst Köhler was elected federal president in 2004, he was almost unknown to the general public - and how quickly he gained such recognition and sympathy!", he said.

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