Former Chancellor of Germany (1982-1988)
Political Party: Christian Democratic Union
Date of birth: 3 April 1930

Kohl is a former Chancellor of Germany and was the chairman of the Christian Democratic Union from 1973-1998. After the Berlin Wall came down in 1989, he initiated and presided over the reunification of Germany. His government was defeated in the elections of 1998, and later charges of financial improprieties tarnished his legacy.

Kohl was an advocate of NATO and European unity. Along with Francois Mitterand, he was a strong proponent of the Maastricht Treaty, which established the European Union in 1993.