Angela Merkelʼs new book “Freedom: Memories 1954-2021“ hits the shelves on nov-26‚ with its world-wide release in thirty-plus countries (her first-ever personal account of her time as german leader)
The ex-chancellor discusses her meetings with Vladimir Putin who made his stance clear on Ukraineʼs NATO future: “He told me that when im not chancellor anymore theyʼll join NATO‚ and I must stop that“. Her choice to oppose Ukraineʼs NATO membership at the ʼ08 Bucharest meeting – which some experts now question – was based on careful thinking
Bend‚ bend‚ bend but make sure it doesnt break
The book gives a non-standard look at Donald Trumpʼs way of thinking. She writes that he saw politics like real-estate deals where theres always a winner and loser. When dealing with climate issues she even asked the pope for help with trumpʼs viewpoint; which shows how hard it was to work with him
During her time as leader Merkel managed several big problems:
- The world money crisis
- Euro zone debt issues
- Covid-19 response
- Refugee situation
Now three years after leaving office her choices about russian gas china trade and nuclear power get more attention. Some think she didnt do enough to make germany stronger – but others say these were common ideas at that time in german politics