Helmut Kohl

Date of Birth: April 3, 1930

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: June 16, 2017

Biography

Helmut Josef Michael Kohl was a German statesman who served as Chancellor of Germany from 1982 to 1998 and as Chairman of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) from 1973 to 1998. Born in Ludwigshafen, Germany, Kohl played a pivotal role in the reunification of Germany in 1990 and was a key architect of the Maastricht Treaty, which laid the foundations for the European Union. Known for his pragmatic approach to politics, Kohl was a dominant figure in German and European politics for over two decades. He was honored with numerous awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Charlemagne Prize, for his contributions to the unification of Europe and the strengthening of German-American relations.

5 Interesting Facts about Helmut Kohl

1. Helmut Kohl was the longest-serving Chancellor of Germany in the post-World War II era, serving for 16 years.

2. He was instrumental in the introduction of the Euro as the common currency of the European Union.

3. Kohl survived a plane crash in 1989, which he attributed to divine intervention.

4. He has been dubbed the “Chancellor of Unity” for his role in the peaceful reunification of East and West Germany.

5. Kohl was an avid cook and enjoyed making traditional German dishes.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Helmut Kohl

1. “The future will be a good future if we remember the past.”

2. “We are a part of the West, not just geographically, but also spiritually.”

3. “Europe is our common future.”

4. “Reunification is not the end of our effort. Rather, it is the beginning of a new era of freedom and prosperity.”

5. “The strength of Europe is its unity.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Helmut Kohl’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million, primarily from his political career, book deals, and speaking engagements.

Children

Helmut Kohl had two sons with his first wife, Hannelore Renner: 1. Walter Kohl, born in 1963, is an author and businessman. 2. Peter Kohl, born in 1965, is also involved in business and has pursued a career in finance.