German President Quits After Afghanistan Criticism
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German President Horst Koehler unexpectedly announced his resignation with immediate effect, citing public criticism of remarks he made about Germany’s military mission in Afghanistan.
Koehler, a former managing director of the International Monetary Fund, becomes the first German head of state to quit in post-World War II history. He suggested in a May 22 radio interview that military engagement is necessary to protect Germany’s economic interests, prompting calls by opposition lawmakers for him to withdraw his remarks.