Famous German politicians (Edition 1) - Helmut Kohl
German Politicians - funny and scary - as well as explosive!
Dear Steemians interested in Germany - we started several series around Famous German celebrities around Music, Sports and Writing - the Politicians one we are starting now with a first personality. Probably the most controverse area which we saw already from comments and feedback in private chats. No other topic is able to destroy existing friendships and even family relations these days in Germany. The political atmosphere is explosive - a litte bit like here on Steemit.
Before we start I would like to point out that I would appreciate a fair discussion, please no attacking comments toward certain political opinions.
Our first politician we introduce is someone that has for sure achieved something - this post is not judging a person!
Helmut Kohl
Helmut Kohl died 3 weeks ago. He is considered to be the father of the German re-union and served as Chancellor of Germany from 1982 to 1998 (of West Germany 1982–1990 and of the reunited Germany 1990–1998) and as the chairman of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) from 1973 to 1998.
Kohl was born in Ludwigshafen near my home town so I know him a bit. When I grew up in my family it was not even a discussion to give Helmut and his CDU a vote. Not only because I also was born to a Roman Catholic family like Helmut.
In his young political years he was seen as an innovative politician but after he became party leader, Kohl was increasingly seen as a more conservative figure. However I personally have a lot respect about his achievements. As a political leader you will always be attacked by at least 50% of the population that have different opinions. It is like in Football, every German is the better Bundestrainer as the one in charge.
The merger of the two German nations was difficult and an economic slump didn’t help. After 16 years in office, voters showed their discontent and Kohl was defeated. In 2001, he was charged with accepting illegal contributions and fined. He spent his remaining years in ill health and died on June 16, 2017, at the age of 87.
What are your views on Helmut Kohl? Do you know the young colleague of Helmut below :-)? Please keep it polite.
Comment with suggestions for the next political editions
Sources: Biography.com, Wikipedia
I'll keep it safe.
I remember he would go on an annual fast to lose weight.
He had an endearing lisp when he spoke.
Once an optician used a photo of Kohl in his shop window to promote a style of glasses that Kohl wore. Then there was a court order, or a threat of legal action, so the optician was forced to remove the photo. For non German speakers, Kohl in German means cabbage. So the optician put a head of cabbage in his shop window with the Helmut Kohl style glasses on it! It was in newspapers all over Germany.
Thanks a lot for a funny and well written comment
interesting read! all the best for further editions
Thanks a lot @jznsamuel