<h1>Former German President (2004-2010) passes at 81; remembered for outsider status and economic policy focus.</h1> Former German President, who served from 2004 to 2010, passed away at 81 in Berlin after a brief illness. He was known for his outsider status in politics and high popularity, despite occasional tensions with Chancellor Merkel's government. His presidency was marked by constitutional concerns and a focus on Germany's economic and foreign policy challenges. He resigned unexpectedly in 2010 following controversy over comments about military deployments. Before his presidency, he held significant roles, including leading the IMF and contributing to the euro's legal framework. He is survived by his wife and two children.