After leading Germany for four terms Angela Merkel left her post in late-21‚ leaving citizens uncertain about their future: many knew only her calm east-German style of leadership
The release of her much-hyped book “Freedom“ (a 720-page memoir) came at an interesting time; just as Europe deals with ongoing effects of Russiaʼs actions in Ukraine. The books timing made people extra-interested in her past choices but the content didnt match expectations
Her media tour included quick-fire interviews and newspaper features but gave minimal new info. The book covers major world events during her time as chancellor — from euro-zone problems to refugee movements (which she handled with a mix of care and order). Her famous “we can do it“ statement about migrants gets a whole chapter; though she tries to down-play its meaning
Two decades of mutual encounters lay behind us‚ an era during which Putin had changed from openness to the West to total alienation
The books most clear-cut parts talk about her early days: a science-focused woman from East Germany working her way up through male-dominated politics. Yet when discussing big choices about Russian gas pipes China trade or German tech problems she stays very basic in her explanations
Her final years (16-21) now look different after recent events. If shed stepped down when meeting with Obama in 15 — who wanted her to stay as Europes steady hand — her place in history might be quite different