Kohl Flashcards
When did Kohl come to power and why?
1982 - as a result of a constructive vote of no confidence in Schmidt
What did Kohl do after becoming chancellor?
Called an early election the following year to establish his own mandate. The result was a 58 seat majority for the CDU/CSU/FDP coalition.
What is Kohl’s first election victory known as?
Known as die Wende or ‘turning point’, this election marked an end to SPD rule and a return of conservative ascendency
How did Kohl continue Ostpolitik?
He became the first West German Chancellor to host a visit by the East German Head of State - Erich Honecker - in 1987
What was Kohl’s international policy?
Closer European integration
Support for the NATO alliance e.g. continuing the controversial siting of mid-range nuclear missiles in West Germany.
What social problems did Kohl aim to deal with?
Privately, Kohl’s solution to the Gastarbeiter issue, was to encourage these groups to leave the FRG but this was politically very contentious.
Give some examples of corruption.
The Bitburg controversy 1985
Flick affair - a long running scandal involving the Corporation on the grounds of tax evasion and political donations
What was the result of the 1984 Bundestag investigation into the Flick affair?
Found that between 1969 and 1989, politicians of all major parties had received money from the Flick company; a total of 25m Deutsche Mark.
What were the consequences of the Flick affair?
The CDU politician Rainer Barzel resigned from his office as President of the Bundestag in October 1984. Green MP Otto Schily, member of the investigation committee, later filed a complaint against Chancellor Helmut Kohl for alleged false testimony.
What was the outcome of the 1987 election?
The CDU/CSU did less well than expected - their share of the vote was lower than at any time since the first federal election in 1949.
