Georgia sends condolences after death of ex-German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt

Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili has offered his condolences to his German counterpart Angela Merkel and the whole German nation following the death of former West German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt.

The former German leader, who served as West German Chancellor from 1974 to 1982, died aged 96 on November 10.

Helmut Schmidt was an excellent state and political figure whose principle positions played a crucial role in the modern German history and political unity of Europe,” said Garibashvili. 

I am sure Mr. Schmidt will always stay in the memories of the world politicians, state figures and thinkers. His vision will be inspiration for many generations, for those who will try to do a good job for humanism, democracy and welfare in Europe,” he added.

Schmidt, who was a Social Democrat, was an architect of the European Monetary System, which linked EU currencies and helped pave the way to the Euro. He led the country through some of its most difficult times, including economic turbulence, and he helped to consolidate Germany's post-war economic boom.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel hailed Schmidt as a "political institution" in Germany, reported the BBC.

Reacting to the news, European Parliament president Martin Schulz said he was "deeply affected" by the death of Schmidt.

He was an outstanding Chancellor. His death marks a turning point for Germany and Europe," he told the BBC.

Schmidt’s doctor confirmed the 96-year-old died on Tuesday afternoon in his home city of Hamburg. He did not provide any further details.