Last night, a big concert was planned for Berlin where, earlier in the day, thousands had flocked to the Brandenburg Gate, some unfurling flags from Germany's 16 states. But he still has a powerful influence on German politics. As the former chancellor recalled, the left was very uneasy about the whole project. President Johannes Rau, a Social Democrat and one of those attacked by Mr Kohl, tried yesterday to inject a note of magnanimity. But beyond all the current arguments I would like to stress that nothing can diminish Helmut Kohl's contribution to German unification.
Polls suggest a big majority still favours unification, but disillusionment is widespread.
Westerners complain of the cost in subsidies to the east, and easterners have seen their job prospects and security eroded. Fears that reunification might conjure up a more aggressive Germany have so far proved wholly unfounded.