Helmut Josef Michael Kohl was a German politician who served as chancellor of Germany from 1982 to 1998. He was leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) from 1973 to 1998 and oversaw the end of the Cold War, German reunification, and the creation of the European Union (EU). Kohl's 16-year tenure is the longest in German post-war history and is the longest for any elected chancellor of Germany. Born: April 3, 1930 Died: June 16, 2017 In office: October 1, 1982 – October 26, 1998 Wiki link