Former German Chancellor Kohl died at 9:15 am on Friday morning at his home in the German city of Ludwigshafen am Rhein. His second wife, Maike Kohl-Richter, was at his side when he died, according to Reuters. Kohl was weak and had used a wheelchair since suffering a bad fall in 2008.

Kohl was a great politician

Helmut Kohl was the leader of the country for the longest period in the history of post-war Germany. He headed the government of Germany for 16 years, from 1982 to 1998. He is the only German politician who served as chancellor for four consecutive terms.

It was during his leadership in 1990 that Germany and the German Democratic Republic merged into a single Germany.

Kohl's political journey

Former Chancellor of the Federal Republic, Helmut Josef Kohl was born on April 3, 1930, in Ludwigshafen am Rhein. Toward the end of World War II, he was called into the ranks of the Wehrmacht. Nevertheless, he did not take part in the hostilities. From 1950 to 1958 he studied at University in the areas of "jurisprudence" and "history" and was engaged in scientific activities.

In October 1982, Helmut Kohl was elected Chancellor in the coalition government of the CDU-FDP. He was instrumental in the fall of the Berlin Wall.

CNN reported that Clinton said "I will never forget walking with him through the Brandenburg Gate in 1994 for a large rally on the eastern side, and seeing genuine hope in the eyes of tens of thousands of young people.

I knew at that moment that Helmut Kohl was the man who could help them realize their dreams. History continues to prove that he delivered."

Kohl's honors and scandals

Kohl was honored as an Honorary Citizen of Europe by Clinton for his contribution to the integration of Europe and was regarded as a great politician.

After his days in office, he was caught in a political scandal. In 1999, he was found guilty of taking the political donations between 1993 and 1998.

Helmut Kohl was forced to leave his post as honorary chairman of the CDU in 2000 after he was accused of using illegal sources to finance the party. In 2001, the case was closed, and the former chancellor paid a fine of 300 thousand German marks (142,000$).

Condolences from around the world

Former U.S. President George H.W. Bush said Kohl was one of the greatest leaders in post-war Germany and he and his wife mourned the loss of the "true friend of freedom."

Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a telegram with condolences to Germany's President and the German Chancellor in connection with the death of Kohl.

Brussels lowered European flags to half mast in order to give tribute to Kohl.

Former Luxembourg's prime minister and European Commission President Jean-Claude Junker mourned the great leader of Germany on Twitter.
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