February 16, 2025: Calendar Page
Saint’s Days:
- Juliana
- Pamphilus
Historical Events:
2024:
- Leading Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny dies in Siberian prison camp, sparking global outrage and accusations against the Moscow government.
2005:
- The Kyoto Protocol, an international agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enters into force.
2000:
- After months of investigation into the CDU funding scandal, party leader Wolfgang Schäuble announces his resignation from his leadership positions.
1990:
- Sam Nujoma, head of the Namibian independence movement SWAPO, is elected as the country’s first president by the constituent assembly in Windhoek.
1980:
- British Colonel Mark Coe (43) is assassinated in Bielefeld, Germany, by the PIRA, a splinter group of the Northern Irish paramilitary organization IRA.
Notable Births:
1990:
- The Weeknd (35), Canadian R&B singer and songwriter (hit "Blinding Lights", album "Dawn FM")
- Keith Haring (1958-1990), American pop art artist known for his iconic stick figures
1972:
- Grit Breuer (53), German track and field athlete, 400-meter relay world and European champion
1952:
- Wolfgang Lippert (73), German show host and singer (show "Glück muss man haben" on East German television, ZDF show "Wetten, dass..?")
1935:
- Sonny Bono (1935-1998), American pop singer and politician, formed the duo "Sonny and Cher" with his wife Cher ("I Got You Babe"), mayor of Palm Springs 1988-1994, Republican congressman from 1995 until his death
Additional Historical Context:
The Kyoto Protocol (2005):
The Kyoto Protocol, adopted in 1997 by over 140 countries at the Climate Change Conference in Kyoto, Japan, aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to combat climate change. It establishes binding targets for developed countries to reduce their emissions by specific percentages compared to 1990 levels.
The CDU Funding Scandal (2000):
In the late 1990s, allegations emerged that the German Christian Democratic Union (CDU) had received illegal donations from corporations. The scandal led to a lengthy investigation and the eventual resignation of several high-ranking party officials, including the party leader and parliamentary group leader Wolfgang Schäuble.
Namibian Independence (1990):
Namibia gained independence from South African apartheid rule in 1990. The country’s first president, Sam Nujoma, led the South West African People’s Organization (SWAPO) in the struggle for independence.
The PIRA Bombing (1980):
The Provisional Irish Republican Army (PIRA) was a paramilitary organization that sought to end British rule in Northern Ireland and unify the island of Ireland as a socialist republic. In 1980, the PIRA assassinated British Colonel Mark Coe in Bielefeld, Germany, as part of its bombing campaign.
Keith Haring (1958-1990):
Keith Haring was a prominent American pop art artist known for his bold and vibrant works featuring simplistic stick figures. His art addressed social and political issues, including AIDS awareness and the anti-nuclear movement.
