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Politics

Unifier Kohl – What is his legacy?

June 29, 2017

Germany and Europe bid farewell to former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl. Controversy has arisen over who, exactly, has the authority to interpret Helmut Kohl’s political legacy. Guests: Werner Sonne (ARD), Alan Posener (Welt), Hannah Cleaver (DW)

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Our guests:

 

DW Quadriga - Werner Sonne
Image: DW

Werner Sonne was - until his retirement - chief correspondent for ARD in Berlin. He came quite close to the former chancellor and has accompanied him on several state visits. He says: “In the history books Kohl will be reminded as the chancellor of reunification. On the other hand we have that image of a power hungry person who offended many people.”

 

DW Quadriga - Alan Posener
Image: DW

Alan Posener is a commentator for the daily “Die Welt”. He says: “Kohl's legacy is the eastward expansion of the EU and the single currency - the "deepening" and "broadening" of Europe, both of which are now in crisis.”

 

 

 

DW Quadriga - Hannah Cleaver
Image: DW

Hannah Cleaver works for DW and has both and outside and inside view of the Helmut Kohl era. She says: “There is a chance to shake off the corporatism and corruption that were rife during the Kohl era. Germany and its politicians may now have the chance to stand up straighter, be more modern and internationally active.”