Roman Herzog, former German president, dies aged 82

January 11, 2017

, seventh president of Germany, who was in the office from 1994 to 1999, died yesterday in, current president confirmed. He was 82. Born on April 5, 1934 in, , Herzog studied law at. His father worked in a snuff factory. Herzog joined the (CDU) in 1970.

Herzog was appointed as 's regional chief representative in 1973 by 's governor. He served as a judge in the from 1983 to 1987. He was promoted as the Chief Justice of the federal court in 1987, serving until 1994.

Four years after Germany's re-unification, Herzog was elected as the president of the country in 1994 though he was the second choice candidate of CDU. After the election, Herzog said, "I will try my best to lead this administration in such a way that you will regret not having given me your vote".

Herzog acknowledged Germany's reformation was slow. Germany faced economic crises in the 1990s. The president said, "Pessimism has become a normal mindset in our country. Those who want to delay or prevent major reforms need to be aware that our nation will pay a high price for this."

In 1994, Herzog visited Poland on the 50th anniversary of the 1944. On August 1, 1994, he sought forgiveness from the Polish people in, saying, "I ask for your forgiveness for all that was done to you by Germany". Herzog declared January 27 to be observed as the annual day of remembrance of the victims of the holocaust. On January 27, 1945, the at  was liberated.

Herzog is credited with the improvement of Germany after the economic crises and the reformation. In one mid-90s speech he said as Germany's economy was at a standstill.

Herzog was succeeded by in 1999. Upon retirement, Herzog said, "I'm merely retiring from office and not retiring from life". In 2015, he attended the funeral of, who served as the president of Germany before Herzog succeeded him. Herzog is survived by his second wife.