Former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl passed away on Friday at the age of 87 at his home in Ludwigshafen. Kohl was chancellor of Germany from 1982 until 1998, and was the leader of the Christian Democrats. During his time as chancellor, he oversaw the reunification of West Germany and East Germany.
BREAKING: German political party: Helmut Kohl, the chancellor credited with German reunification, has died at 87.
— The Associated Press (@AP) June 16, 2017
Helmut Kohl, the chancellor credited with German reunification, has died at 87. https://t.co/3kvt3rNygG
— The Associated Press (@AP) June 16, 2017
Former President George H.W. Bush said that he and his wife Barbara were mourning the loss of one of the "greatest leaders in post-War Europe," and a "very good friend." Bush said that working with Kohl on ending the Cold War and on German reunification was one of the "great joys" of his life.
Herewith the statement by President @GeorgeHWBush on the passing of former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl. pic.twitter.com/ew5pGmqIy0
— Jim McGrath (@jgm41) June 16, 2017
Others called Kohl a "visionary."
We are saddened by passing of Helmut Kohl, Chancellor of #Germany (1982 to 1998) during #German reunification + true European visionary pic.twitter.com/K0RMo9s6mm
— German Embassy (@GermanyinUSA) June 16, 2017
"We are in sorrow."
Wir trauern. #RIP #HelmutKohl pic.twitter.com/oabr1NoWim
— CDU Deutschlands (@CDU) June 16, 2017
EU flags in Brussels are already at half-mast in memory of Kohl.
Flags in Brussels' European Quarter already flying at half-mast, marking the death of Helmut #Kohl, who helped establish the EU pic.twitter.com/dB20XHLXCt
— Daniel Winter (@winterbiz) June 16, 2017