Category: Richest Politicians › Presidents
Net Worth: $1.5 Million
Birthdate: April 3, 1930
Date of Death: June 16, 2017 (aged 87)
Birthplace: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Profession: Politician, Historian
Nationality: Germany
Who Was Helmut Kohl?
Helmut Kohl was a prominent German statesman best known for serving as Chancellor of Germany from 1982 to 1998, overseeing the historic reunification of East and West Germany in 1990. As a leading figure of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), he left an indelible mark on post-war European politics, both as a national leader and as an architect of European unity.
Early Life and Education
- Born in Ludwigshafen in 1930
- Studied law and history, earning a doctorate in political science from Heidelberg University
- Entered politics in the 1960s through the CDU, rising steadily through party ranks
Political Career Highlights
- Minister-President of Rhineland-Palatinate: 1969–1976
- Chancellor of West Germany: 1982–1990
- Chancellor of Unified Germany: 1990–1998
- Played a pivotal role in ending the Cold War and ushering in German reunification
- Oversaw economic and political integration into the European Union, alongside French President François Mitterrand
Legacy and Honors
- Known as the “Chancellor of Unity” for his leadership during German reunification
- Co-founder of the European Union through the Maastricht Treaty
- Awarded the Charlemagne Prize (1988), Prince of Asturias Award (1996), and named Honorary Citizen of Europe (1998)
- Praised by U.S. Presidents Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush as one of the greatest European leaders of the late 20th century
Personal Life
- Married Hannelore Renner until her death in 2001; remarried Maike Richter in 2008
- Father of two sons
- Despite his modest net worth of $1.5 million, Kohl wielded enormous influence on both German and European affairs
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