Wolfgang Schäuble, the former German finance minister known for his pivotal role in navigating the eurozone through the debt crisis, has passed away at the age of 81. A prominent figure in German politics for over five decades, Schäuble was widely respected for his contributions to German reunification and his influential position in post-war politics.
Schäuble started his political career in 1965 when he joined the conservative CDU party. He served as a member of the Bundestag for 51 years and played a crucial role in negotiating German reunification following the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. His efforts in shaping the reunified Germany were considered a highlight of his political career.
During his time as finance minister, Schäuble was known for his commitment to fiscal responsibility and his role in achieving Germany’s budget surplus in 2014, known as the “schwarze Null” or black zero. He was also a key architect of the austerity policies adopted by the eurozone in response to the 2008 debt crisis.
Wolfgang Schaeuble, who helped negotiate German reunification in 1990 and was a central figure in the austerity-heavy effort to drag Europe out of its debt crisis two decades later, died Dec. 26. He was 81. https://t.co/zfYeieEEFc
— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) December 27, 2023
Schäuble’s impact extended beyond Germany, as he played a significant role in European affairs, advocating for a rules-based international order and warning about the dangers of unchecked public debt. His no-nonsense approach to the eurozone crisis led him to propose a Greek “time-out” from the euro, although the proposal was ultimately rejected by Athens.
Following his time as finance minister, Schäuble served as the president of the Bundestag, where he continued to be an influential figure in German politics until his retirement last year.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his condolences, stating that Germany had lost “a sharp thinker, a passionate politician, and a pugnacious Democrat.” Former UK Chancellor George Osborne also praised Schäuble, highlighting his role in unifying Germany and his lasting impact on post-war politics.
Image Source: Wolfgang Schäuble @ Instagram
