Posted 12/29/2023, 9:19:00 PM
Merkel ally Schäuble bids farewell after 50 years as MP who overcame tragedy to shape modern Germany
- Longest-serving German MP; played key roles in reunification in 1990 and Europe's response to 2008 financial crisis
- Shot while campaigning in 1990, left paralyzed, but returned to frontline politics within months
- Close political relationship with Angela Merkel; she eventually replaced him as CDU leader after party scandal
- As finance minister, oversaw German/EU austerity policies after 2008 crisis that were controversial but popular at home
- Staunch pro-Atlanticist; advocated Iraq war and hawkish policies towards Russia; wanted to become German president but was passed over