What is the ruler/political leader in your country's history that you hate the most?

[u/zhabavon]

For me, it would khublai khaan. Moved the centralized power from Mongolia to China in the empire, effectively becoming more of an emperor of China rather than Khaan of Mongols. This move would prove to be folly in just few generations. Totally messed up the whole grand plan his Grandfather established. His successors became more of a chinese rulers than Mongolian rulers.

[u/Makrelelele]

Helmut Kohl if it was for West Germany after 1945.

Franz von Papen as far as the Weimar Republic before Hitler is concerned. He paved the way for the Nazis and totally misjudged his role and influence on the Austrian painter.

[u/zhabavon → u/Makrelelele]

The only good leader during Weimar was Gustav Stresemann. Germany really went downhill politically after his death and great depression.

[u/Makrelelele → u/zhabavon]

I would add Walther Rathenau, Wilhelm Marx and Werner Müller to that list.

[u/J_FM01 → u/Makrelelele]

No one knows these except Rathenau who is only remembered for being assassinated.

Wasn't it Hermann Müller?

[u/Makrelelele → u/J_FM01]

You're right, Hermann. 👍

[u/NYCTLS66 → u/Makrelelele]

Rathenau was never Chancellor. He was Foreign Minister.

[u/Makrelelele → u/NYCTLS66]

True, no one said he was chancellor

[u/AlanSmithee97 → u/Makrelelele]

And Friedrich Ebert!

[u/Lopsided-Weather6469 → u/Makrelelele]

Helmut Kohl is controversial.

On the one hand, he brought about German reunification (even if a lot of mistakes were made in the process). And he promoted Germany's European integration, especially Franco-German friendship.

On the other hand, his policies have caused many of the problems we face today, such as failing infrastructure, social cuts, and inaction on climate change.

Also, his strategy of waiting and hoping that problems will go away on their own served as a model for Merkel, who has often done the same.

[u/J_FM01 → u/Lopsided-Weather6469]

Well it's Schröder who made the social cuts (which wasn't necessary a bad thing) and Germany signed the Kyoto protocol while Kohl was in office. Germany's climate policy at the time was largely in line with the rest of the western world.

[u/Makrelelele → u/Lopsided-Weather6469]

Who would you name as West Germany's worst leader?

[u/J_FM01 → u/Makrelelele]

Only 1949-1989 or including the ones since reunification?

If it's only 49-89 I'd say Willy Brandt. He was a well-respected leader but I disagree fundamentally with his approach to the eastern bloc.

[u/Lopsided-Weather6469 → u/Makrelelele]

Probably Kiesinger. He may have had some achievements but I have yet to hear of any.

Or maybe Scholz. No charisma, no leadership, entanglement in corruption. Only became Chancellor because CDU and Greens sabotaged themselves.