Kohl Must Come Clean

Criminal investigation of former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl casts a huge shadow not only over his historic 16-year rule but also over his Christian Democratic Union, or CDU, the dominant political party in contemporary Germany. Kohl admits that the party maintained secret slush funds, but he denies taking bribes personally and won’t say who contributed to the funds. He may not have profited personally, but he must come clean to remove the cloud. The sooner the truth is out, the better, both for Kohl and the Christian Democrats.

Under the sturdy leadership of Kohl, Germany was united and led Europe to a single currency. The country appeared impervious to the financial scandals afflicting politicians in neighboring France, Spain, Italy and Belgium. Kohl was Europe’s most respected leader.

No more. Revelations of bribes the CDU took from arms dealers and a $1-million slush fund have put Kohl squarely in the middle of a financial scandal that has all the elements of a cheap thriller. Kohl is emerging as an extraordinary manipulator, skillfully pulling the levers of power and willingly stretching laws to achieve his aim.

Kohl could face up to five years in jail if found guilty. Yet it is not only the former chancellor who is suffering. It is his party as well. The CDU, which had a reputation for responsible government, may well end up like Italy’s Christian Democrats, all but destroyed by corruption charges against its leading members.

Kohl helped Germany face the truth about the country’s World War II history. Now he should disclose the truth about the financial affairs of his political party.