History of Germany (1945–90) German exodus was continuing apace; more than 117,000 left in January and February 1990. In early February 1990, the Modrow government's proposal for a unified, neutral German state was rejected by Chancellor Kohl, who affirmed that a unified Germany must be a member of NATO. Finally, on 18 March, the first free elections were held in East Germany, and a government led by Lothar de Maizière (CDU) was formed under a policy of expeditious unification with West Germany. The freely elected representatives of the "Volkskammer" held their first session on 5 April, and East Germany peacefully evolved from a communist
Chancellor of Germany DDR)". (See Leaders of East Germany.) The head of the federal government of the North German Confederation, which was created on 1 July 1867, had the title "Bundeskanzler". The only person to hold the office was Otto von Bismarck, the prime minister of Prussia. The king, being the bearer of the "Bundespräsidium", installed him on 14 July. Under the constitution of 1 January 1871, the king had additionally the title of Emperor. The constitution still called the chancellor "Bundeskanzler". This was only changed in the new constitution of 16 April 1871 to "Reichskanzler". The office remained the same, and Bismarck