Deaths on January 31

Richard von Weizsäcker, German captain and politician, 6th President of Germany (b. 1920)

Richard Karl Freiherr von Weizsäcker, born on 15 April 1920 and passing away on 31 January 2015, was a highly influential German politician affiliated with the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). He served as the President of Germany from 1984 to 1994, a transformative decade in German history. His surname is pronounced in German as [ˈʁɪçaʁt fɔn ˈvaɪtszɛkɐ].

Early Life and Foundations in Public Service

Born into the aristocratic Weizsäcker family, a distinguished lineage within the German nobility, Richard von Weizsäcker inherited a profound sense of public duty. The title "Freiherr" translates to "Baron," indicating his noble lineage. His family boasted a rich history, including notable academics, theologians, and diplomats, fostering an environment of intellectual rigor and societal engagement. Weizsäcker's initial foray into public service was not through traditional politics but within the Evangelical Church in Germany, where he held significant offices. This early experience profoundly shaped his moral compass and public rhetoric, laying the groundwork for his later emphasis on reconciliation and ethical leadership in post-war Germany.

From Parliament to Governing Mayor

Weizsäcker formally joined the CDU in 1954, a pivotal moment in his political career. His commitment to public service led him to seek electoral office, and he was successfully elected as a member of the Bundestag, Germany's federal parliament, in the 1969 federal elections. During his tenure as a Member of Parliament, he gained a reputation for thoughtful debate and principled stands. He continued to serve in the Bundestag until 1981 when a significant shift occurred in his career. Following the state elections that year, Weizsäcker was elected and assumed the crucial role of Governing Mayor of West Berlin. This position was particularly sensitive during the Cold War era, as West Berlin was an isolated Western enclave within East Germany, symbolizing the division of Germany and Europe. His leadership in West Berlin demonstrated his administrative capabilities and his ability to navigate complex political landscapes.

Presidency of the Federal Republic of Germany

In 1984, Richard von Weizsäcker's distinguished career culminated in his election as President of the Federal Republic of Germany. This role, while largely ceremonial in terms of executive power, carries immense moral authority and symbolic significance in Germany. The President is elected by the Federal Convention, a body comprising members of the Bundestag and an equal number of delegates chosen by the state parliaments. Weizsäcker was widely popular and subsequently re-elected for a second five-year term in 1989. This achievement placed him in an exclusive group: he and Theodor Heuss, the first President of the Federal Republic, are the only two individuals to have served two complete five-year terms as President, a testament to his widespread respect and effectiveness.

President of a Reunified Germany

Weizsäcker's second term as President coincided with one of the most momentous periods in German history: the reunification of Germany. On 3 October 1990, a date now celebrated as German Unity Day, the five reorganized states of the former German Democratic Republic (East Germany) along with East Berlin formally acceded to the Federal Republic of Germany. This historic event, facilitated by the "Two Plus Four Treaty" signed by the two German states and the four Allied powers, effectively dissolved the GDR and reunified the nation. As a result, Weizsäcker became the first President of a truly unified Germany, overseeing the immense challenges and opportunities presented by the integration of the formerly divided nation. His leadership during this period was crucial for fostering a sense of national unity and guiding the country through its profound transformation.

A Legacy of Impartiality and Moral Conscience

Richard von Weizsäcker is widely regarded as the most popular among Germany's presidents, celebrated especially for his unwavering impartiality. This characteristic often set him apart from his own party colleagues, including the long-serving Chancellor Helmut Kohl. While Kohl focused on the practicalities and economic integration of reunification, Weizsäcker frequently emphasized the moral and historical responsibilities of the nation, particularly concerning its past. His willingness to offer an independent, critical perspective, even if it meant diverging from government policy, cemented his reputation as a "guardian of his nation's moral conscience," a sentiment echoed by The New York Times upon his passing.

The Seminal 8 May 1985 Speech

Among his most enduring contributions are his powerful and eloquent speeches, none more famous than the one delivered on 8 May 1985, commemorating the 40th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe. In this landmark address to the Bundestag, Weizsäcker famously declared 8 May not a day of defeat for Germany, but a "day of liberation" – liberation from the dehumanizing system of National Socialism. He called for Germans to confront their history honestly, urging them to recognize the full scope of the crimes committed and to accept collective responsibility. He stated that "whoever closes his eyes to the past is blind to the present." This speech was groundbreaking for its directness and its emphasis on active remembrance and self-reflection, profoundly shaping Germany's collective memory and its approach to historical reckoning. It underscored the nation's commitment to democratic values and its role in an international community built on peace and human rights.

Enduring Influence

Upon his death in 2015, Weizsäcker's life and extensive political work were universally praised both within Germany and internationally. His calm demeanor, intellectual rigor, and profound moral conviction left an indelible mark on German politics and society. He is remembered not just as a statesman who presided over reunification, but as a moral compass who consistently urged his nation to confront its past, embrace democracy, and uphold the values of justice and human dignity. His legacy continues to serve as a benchmark for ethical leadership in public office.

Frequently Asked Questions About Richard von Weizsäcker

When was Richard von Weizsäcker President of Germany?

He served as President of the Federal Republic of Germany from 1984 to 1994, completing two full five-year terms.

For what is Richard von Weizsäcker most famous?

He is most famous for his impartiality, his role as the first President of reunified Germany, and particularly for his landmark speech on 8 May 1985, which redefined Germany's understanding of the end of World War II as a "day of liberation."

What was Richard von Weizsäcker's role in German reunification?

During his second term, he became the President of the reunified Germany on 3 October 1990, playing a crucial symbolic and unifying role as the head of state during this historic transition.

How did Richard von Weizsäcker differ from Chancellor Helmut Kohl?

While both were members of the CDU, Weizsäcker was known for his emphasis on moral accountability and historical reckoning, often challenging his party on these issues, whereas Chancellor Kohl primarily focused on the practical and economic aspects of governance and reunification.

What was the significance of his 8 May 1985 speech?

The speech courageously called on Germans to view 8 May 1945 not as a defeat, but as a "day of liberation" from Nazism, urging them to confront their past honestly and accept responsibility, profoundly influencing Germany's national memory and reconciliation efforts.