"The death of Richard von Weizsäcker is a huge loss for Germany. He rendered outstanding service to our country. We will not forget him," said the Chancellor.

Richard von Weizsäcker, said the Chancellor, was one of the most important and most respected personalities in Germany. Over a period of many decades he put at the service of Germany’s democracy his fine intellect, his natural dignity, and his great talent for political speaking.

His period of office as Federal President from 1984 to 1994 set standards, she continued. "He wanted to provide direction, as he himself said, and he more than lived up to his own expectations," declared the Chancellor.

Historic speeches

She recalled the watershed address given by Richard von Weizsäcker on 8 May 1985, marking the 40th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. The Federal President spoke of a "day of liberation from the inhuman tyranny of the National Socialist regime". "This was a necessary and clear statement, that was very significant for the way we Germans see ourselves," stressed Angela Merkel.

Likewise, she said, she will never forget his address on 3 October 1990, and the joy that rose inside her as he said, "So we can experience this day as recipients of a gift. History has been kind to us Germans this time."

Richard von Weizsäcker was also aware, however, that a unification agreement alone is no guarantee of successful unification, said Angela Merkel. That depends much more "on the actions of every one of us, on our openness and the way we deal with one another," she quoted the former Federal President. "This remains true and still guides my actions today," said the Chancellor.

Letter of condolence from Federal President Joachim Gauck

In a letter of condolence Federal President Joachim Gauck praised Richard von Weizsäcker as a man who truly bore witness to the century he lived in. The experience of war and tyranny fuelled his commitment to the aim of a peaceful and united Europe. "He stood for a Federal Republic that faced up to its past," wrote Joachim Gauck.

Richard von Weizsäcker was Federal President from 1984 to 1994. Born in Stuttgart, he served as Governing Mayor of Berlin before taking office as Federal President. On his election to this post, he promised to be "President of all citizens".