Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel has released her memoir titled ‘Freiheit,’ where she reflects on her unprecedented 16-year tenure as a leader in a male-dominated field. In her book, Merkel shares insights on her unique position as the first and only female Chancellor of Germany, recounting pivotal moments in her political career, including the euro crisis, the refugee crisis, and her relationship with world leaders such as U.S. Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. She candidly admits to having experienced ‘deep sadness and despair’ particularly during the European debt crisis. Merkel also addresses criticisms of her leadership style, suggesting that her cautious approach was often necessary in navigating complex geopolitical challenges. ‘In hindsight, I think I was right to act carefully,’ she notes, suggesting that her decisions were made with careful consideration, especially during times of crisis. Amidst reflections on her legacy, Merkel emphasizes the importance of democracy and warns against the rising tide of authoritarianism globally. ‘Democracy is a defense against authoritarianism, which is now threatening fundamentally in the U.S. and across Europe,’ she stated, underscoring her commitment to democratic values. The memoir has been met with positive initial reactions, with reviewers praising its honest and reflective tone, an insight into Merkel’s thoughts on her time in office and the lessons learned from her political journey.
Angela Merkel Reflects on Legacy in New Memoir, ‘Freiheit’
