Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel unveils candid reflections on her 16 years in power in her newly published memoir, Freedom.
At 70, Merkel delves into key global events, including her encounters with Vladimir Putin, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump, as well as her introspection on Brexit and her decision to step away from politics. The book offers a straightforward narrative, blending Merkel’s early life in communist East Germany with her rise to one of the world’s most influential leaders, sprinkled with her signature dry humor.
Putin’s Power Plays
Merkel recounts her often tense relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose actions she describes as “childish and reprehensible” but impossible to ignore. Among her memories is being kept waiting by Putin during the 2007 Group of Eight summit—a behavior she despised. She also recalls a photo op in Sochi that same year when Putin knowingly brought out his labrador despite her fear of dogs, a tactic she viewed as a deliberate power move.
One of her most vivid memories is Putin’s declaration during a 2006 conversation about Siberian poverty and the U.S.-backed Ukrainian Orange Revolution: “I will never allow something like that in Russia.” She found his self-righteousness particularly irritating after his 2007 speech in Munich, which signaled a sharp turn away from cooperation with the West.
While critical of Putin’s gamesmanship, Merkel defends her efforts to maintain diplomatic ties with Moscow. She stands by the controversial 2015 peace deal for eastern Ukraine and her government’s reliance on Russian natural gas, arguing that engagement was necessary.
Contrasting Relationships with Obama and Trump
Merkel describes her bond with former President Barack Obama as warm and collaborative. After meeting him in 2008, she recognized their shared ability to work together effectively. During Obama’s final presidential visit in 2016, he encouraged her to consider running for a fourth term, advising her to “follow her feelings.”
In stark contrast, her relationship with Donald Trump was strained from the start. Merkel recalls navigating provocations during his 2016 campaign and later seeking a functional rapport despite his criticisms of Germany. She recounts an awkward moment during her first visit to the Trump White House in March 2017, when Trump ignored her suggestion to shake hands for photographers. “He wanted to create a topic of discussion with his behavior, while I acted as if I were dealing with an interlocutor behaving normally,” she reflects.
Merkel notes Trump’s fascination with Putin and other authoritarian figures, describing how leaders with “autocratic and dictatorial traits” seemed to captivate him.
The Brexit Question
Merkel admits she wrestled with whether she could have done more to prevent Brexit. Despite trying to support then-Prime Minister David Cameron as he faced pressure from Euroskeptics, she concluded that Britain’s internal politics left her with limited options. She calls the 2016 referendum result a “humiliation” for the European Union and a cautionary tale of political miscalculation.
Stepping Away from Power
Merkel remains resolute in her decision to leave office after her fourth term, a rarity for German chancellors. She cites three incidents in 2019 where her body shook during public engagements, which she interprets as her body releasing years of tension. Medical evaluations found no underlying issues, and Merkel reflects that stepping away was the right decision at the right time.
A Leadership Legacy
Freedom, spanning over 700 pages in its German edition, offers a measured yet revealing portrait of Merkel’s time in power. From global crises to personal moments of doubt, the memoir cements her legacy as a pragmatic leader who faced some of the 21st century’s most significant challenges. The English edition is now available, providing insight into the life and decisions of a leader who shaped modern Europe.
