Freedom. Freedom. Freedom. Freedom. These are just some of the titles in the Memoirs ofAngela Merkelwith production in several languages shrouded in the utmost secrecy, with bodyguards around the photocopiers in the publishing houses – and a declaration of secrecy to be signed in exchange for a set of declarations, a few days before publication at the same time in 30 countries, this Tuesday, November 26. From Germany to Ukraine, their reception promises to be brutal. The Chancellor, who left power on December 8, 2021 with popularity at the top, after four elections and sixteen years at the head of the German government, fell from her base at high speed on February 24, 2022. That was a little passed back. a thousand days The Russian army crossed the border into UkrainePutin launched his war of aggression against international law and texts recognizing the territorial integrity of Ukraine to which Russia was a signatory. The Ukrainians, since then, have resisted with the courage we know and the limited allies we know.
Germany found itself completely exposed. Chancellor Olaf Scholz he was tasked with declaring a “century change” before the Bundestag (“Turning Times”), to waive the commission You will be on the Nord Stream 2 line linking Russia to Germany, to invest as never before in defense. Europe’s main economic power is now lost to cheap Russian gas, one of the three pillars on which he based his model. The other two are also falling apart: China, which no longer offers the same outlet for exports, and the United States, which no longer wants to be in charge of European security. The country is about to experience an economic recession for the second year in a row. Since the departure of Angela Merkel, Germany has been in turmoil and the former chancellor in disgrace. Is she largely responsible for the decline? Is he, on the other hand, the only one who was able to keep the company? Or both, captain?
His Memoirs, beginning with a commitment to a well-deserved retirement and departure punctuated by applause and tears of emotion, reads like an exercise in self-justification, because the timing is badly chosen. Angela Merkel cites as an example a video message from Volodymyr Zelensky from April 3, 2022 after discovering the murder of Boutcha committed by the Russians, in the suburbs of kyiv: “I invite Ms. Merkel and Mr. Sarkozy visit Boutcha and see what he has done fourteen years of concessions to Russia.” The president of Ukraine was referring to how Germany and France refused to develop an action plan for membership of the Ukraine and Georgia in NATO, at a summit in Bucharest in 2008. The former chancellor, obviously piqued, sees fit to explain why, at the time of Boutcha and this message, she had holiday in Florence – “it was the first pleasure trip I took since I left the chancellor”.
We cannot judge the past by knowing the present
And a long return to the reasons for his “difficult” decision made in Bucharest. In a “treaty” with the social-democratic Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier and with the French President Nicolas Sarkozy, she opposed the will of the United States of George W. Bush and part of Europe to share candidate status granted to Ukraine and Georgia for NATO membership. Basically, she believes, this status would not protect them from aggression by Putin, and it could have a negative impact on the security of the Federation.
As for the other controversial decisions marked by his four orders – the management of the financial crisis and the debt of Greece, the cessation of nuclear power, the reception of migrants, tolerance towards Putin’s Russia and Xi Jinping’s China, low defense spending -, Angela Merkel defines herself in the way of the Protestant that she is: with honesty, without lying, but by choosing her parts and not apologizing for anything. According to one principle: we cannot judge the past by knowing the present. Whether she convinces us or not, her memoirs are a fascinating historical document of the first twenty years of the 21st century when Germany, France, the European Union and the West were still powerful.
Marion van Renterghem is a senior reporter, winner of the Albert-Londres award and author of “Piège Nord Stream” (Arènes)
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2024-11-26 11:33:00
#Memories #Angela #Merkel #truths #facing #judgment #history #Marion #van #Renterghem
Merkel emphasizes her commitment to truth and convictions in her memoirs, yet critics debate whether her pragmatism sometimes overshadowed strong moral stances. How can we reconcile these seemingly conflicting aspects of her leadership, and does her approach offer lessons for navigating complex ethical dilemmas in global politics?
## Interview: Angela Merkel’s Memoirs - A Reckoning with the Past?
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World Today News, I’m [your name]. Today, we are joined by two distinguished guests, [Guest 1 Name and Expertise] and [Guest 2 Name and Expertise], to discuss Angela Merkel’s recently released memoirs.
These memoirs arrive at a pivotal moment, shedding light on Merkel’s handling of key geopolitical issues during her 16-year tenure and sparking a debate about the legacy she leaves behind. Let’s delve into this fascinating discussion.
**Section I: The Weight of Hindsight – Decision-Making in Uncertain Times**
**Open-ended questions:**
1. [Guest 1], Merkel reflects on the decision to deny Ukraine and Georgia NATO membership in 2008, arguing it wouldn’t have deterred Putin and may have negatively impacted Russian security. How do you assess the validity of this argument in light of the current Ukrainian conflict? Do you see this as a missed opportunity for the West?
2. [Guest 2], Merkel’s memoirs aim to justify her approach to key crises, including the financial meltdown, the migrant influx, and her engagement with Russia and China. Given the complexities of these issues, to what extent can we hold her accountable for outcomes that unfolded years later?
**Section II: Shades of Gray – Balancing Political Realpolitik with Moral Obligation**
**Open-ended questions:**
1. [Guest 2], Merkel emphasizes honesty and unwavering commitment to her convictions throughout her memoirs. However, critics argue that her pragmatism sometimes came at the cost of strong moral stances. How do you reconcile these seemingly conflicting aspects of her leadership style?
2. [Guest 1], Merkel’s memoirs paint a picture of a leader grappling with a rapidly changing global landscape. What lessons can contemporary leaders draw from her experiences navigating complex geopolitical challenges and maintaining transatlantic alliances?
**Section III: The German Dilemma - A Nation at a Crossroads?**
**Open-ended questions:**
1. [Guest 1], Germany is now facing an energy crisis and economic challenges alongside a significant shift in its foreign policy. How do you view the current state of Germany and its role on the world stage in light of Angela Merkel’s legacy?
2. [Guest 2], Merkel’s memoirs raise questions about the future direction of Germany and Europe.
In your opinion, what are the most pressing challenges facing the European Union in the years to come, and what lessons can we learn from Merkel’s tenure?
**Section IV: The Legacy of Angela Merkel – A Divisive Figure in History**
**Open-ended questions:**
1. [Guest 2], Merkel’s memoirs are bound to be scrutinized and debated for years to come. How do you think she will ultimately be remembered, both within Germany and on the international stage?
2. [Guest 1], looking at the geopolitical landscape today, what enduring impact do you think Angela Merkel’s leadership has had, both positive and negative?
**Closing:**
Thank you both for sharing your insightful perspectives on Angela Merkel’s memoirs. This complex and powerful document presents a rare glimpse into the mind of a leader who faced extraordinary challenges on the global stage.
Her story, like the history of the 21st century, is filled with ambiguities and difficult choices. It serves as a reminder of the immense weight of leadership and the lasting impact of decisions made in times of uncertainty.
