The death of Helmut Schmidt is a profound moment for all post-war Germans.

More than any other German Chancellor, Schmidt was the incarnation of a deep commitment to his nation as a part of the European Community, but also as a strong member of the Atlantic alliance.

As an inveterate workaholic, Schmidt was used to burning the candle at both ends in the service of his country. A reserve army officer, he always retained something of the armed services culture. As a matter of principle, he resisted any temptation to negotiate with the Red Army faction in the ‘German Autumn’ of terrorism in the 1970s. (Read more)