Press Release No. 15/511

Press Release: Statement by Christine Lagarde on Helmut Schmidt

November 10, 2015

Ms. Christine Lagarde, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) issued the following statement today after the news of the death of Helmut Schmidt:

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of former Chancellor Helmut Schmidt, a true European, visionary economist, and global statesman.  With a disciplined mind and sheer determination, he navigated Germany through challenging times and helped make Germany what it is today: a modern country with a strong economy, firmly rooted in the European community.

“His friendship with former French president Giscard D’Estaing, which dominated the political landscape of Europe when I was a young lawyer, will always remind me of what political figures can accomplish when they work in unison, for the benefit of their countrymen. We owe them jointly the tradition of global economic summits, which proved so critical in fostering cooperation between key economic actors and maintaining a dialogue during times of crises.

“Helmut Schmidt was a wise man and a truly effective and respected leader. He will be missed.”