In the realm of post-war German politics, where exciting rhetoric is often met with suspicion, former Chancellor Angela Merkel’s mastery of measured, even boring language served her well during her 16 years at the helm. Her memoir, “Freedom,” co-authored with her long-time aide Beate Baumann, faithfully reproduces this signature style, offering a meticulous yet unsurprising account of her tenure from 2005 to 2021.
A Crisis Manager’s Chronicle
Merkel’s memoir reads like an end-of-term report, detailing the myriad crises she navigated as the leader of the European Union’s most powerful member state. From the 2008 financial crash to the Syrian refugee influx and the Covid-19 pandemic, Merkel’s motto, “wir schaffen das” (“we can do that”), underscored her pragmatic approach to problem-solving.
Yet, for all its exhaustive detail, “Freedom” studiously avoids deeper analysis or personal insights. Merkel’s rise from an East German research scientist to the first female Chancellor of a reunified Germany is a compelling story, but one she declines to explore in depth. Her famed realpolitik, exemplified by her decision to welcome a million Syrian refugees in 2015, is presented matter-of-factly, without rumination on its broader implications.
Geopolitical Chessboard
Merkel’s interactions with world leaders provide some of the book’s more intriguing anecdotes. She found a kindred spirit in U.S. President George W. Bush but struggled to connect with Russia’s Vladimir Putin, despite their shared language skills. Putin’s attempt to intimidate her with his dog, exploiting her well-known fear of canines, is a rare moment of levity in an otherwise sober narrative.
Germany and Israel share the values of freedom, democracy, and the observance of human dignity.
Angela Merkel, “Freedom”
However, Merkel’s assertion of shared values between Germany and Israel, in light of recent tensions over the Gaza conflict, feels disconnected from current realities. Similarly, her pride in Germany’s traditional industrial strengths suggests a failure to fully grasp the challenges of the post-industrial age.
The Merkel Legacy
Since leaving office, Merkel’s reputation has undergone a swift reassessment. Her increasing reliance on Russian energy, culminating in the ill-fated Nord Stream pipeline, has been widely criticized in the wake of Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. “Freedom” does little to address these concerns, focusing instead on her efforts to address climate change and navigate geopolitical tensions.
Ultimately, “Freedom” serves as a reminder that even the most influential leaders can struggle to see the bigger picture. Merkel’s legacy, like her memoir, is one of steady crisis management and incremental progress, but also of missed opportunities and unintended consequences. As she herself notes, “In politics, things can escalate faster than you can blink.” The true impact of her decisions, for better or worse, may only become clear in the years to come.
For readers seeking a comprehensive account of Merkel’s tenure, “Freedom” offers a wealth of detail and a window into the day-to-day challenges of leadership. But those hoping for a more introspective or visionary work may find themselves, like Merkel’s critics, grappling with what remains unsaid.
