Veteran German Politician Wolfgang Schäuble Dies at 81

Schäuble, a Central Figure in German Reunification and European Debt Crisis, Remembered for His Resilience and Commitment to Democratic Principles

Wolfgang Schäuble, a prominent figure in German politics and the country's longest-serving lawmaker, passed away at the age of 81.
Schäuble played a key role in the reunification of Germany in 1990 and was a central figure in the austerity-heavy effort to pull Europe out of its debt crisis two decades later.
He was paralyzed from the waist down after an assassination attempt in 1990 but continued his political career, serving as finance minister under Chancellor Angela Merkel and later becoming the speaker of the German parliament.
Schäuble faced criticism for his emphasis on austerity during the European debt crisis, particularly for his tough stance on Greece.
Despite setbacks and controversies, including a party financing scandal, Schäuble remained a respected figure in German politics, known for his sharp intellect and commitment to democratic principles.