Angela Merkel recounts being the first and only in new memoir

Summary

Consider This: Angela Merkel Recounts Being the First and Only in New Memoir

NPR's "Consider This" episode released on November 26, 2024, features a comprehensive conversation with Angela Merkel, the first female Chancellor of Germany. In her new memoir, Freedom, Merkel delves into her extensive political career, offering insights into her relationships with world leaders, her stance on feminism, and her navigation of complex international crises. Hosted by Mary Louise Kelly, this episode captures Merkel's reflections and experiences, providing listeners with an in-depth understanding of her legacy.

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1. Angela Merkel’s Relationships with U.S. Presidents

Early Collaborations and Climate Change Efforts

Merkel's political journey is marked by her close work with four American presidents. She began her tenure as Chancellor in 2005, during which she collaborated with President George W. Bush on climate change initiatives. This early cooperation set the tone for her approach to international relations, emphasizing collaboration on global challenges.

Quote:

"Almost 100%."
— Angela Merkel [00:36]

Alliance with Barack Obama

Merkel referred to Barack Obama as a friend, highlighting their shared commitment to maintaining the post-World War II global order. Their relationship was characterized by mutual respect and a unified approach to international policies.

Quote:

"Merkel's relationship with Barack Obama was built on unwavering commitment to the post World War II global order."
— Mary Louise Kelly [00:39]

Strained Relations with Donald Trump

The episode delves into Merkel's challenging relationship with Donald Trump, exemplified by the infamous 2018 G7 summit photo where she is seen sternly confronting Trump. Despite the tensions, Merkel maintained a professional stance, striving to preserve US-German relations even amidst disagreements.

Quote:

"Donald Trump, less than others, believes in the capability or the quality of a compromise."
— Angela Merkel [12:06]

Transition to Joe Biden

Following Trump's presidency, Merkel worked to strengthen ties with his successor, Joe Biden. She expressed optimism about the future of US-German cooperation, emphasizing the importance of NATO and shared security interests.

Quote:

"To continue that, and I'm confident we will. Yeah."
— Angela Merkel [02:11]

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2. Navigating Relations with Vladimir Putin

Early Interactions and Building Trust

Merkel's interactions with Vladimir Putin were complex, marked by strategic diplomacy and personal challenges. Despite Putin's awareness of Merkel's fear of dogs, their relationship entailed navigating delicate power dynamics.

Quote:

"He knew about it. I already told him when I first saw him officially."
— Angela Merkel [06:37]

Crisis in Crimea and Ukraine

A pivotal moment discussed in the episode is the 2014 crisis in Crimea, where "little green men" (Russian soldiers) occupied the region. Merkel confronted Putin, accusing him of deceit, which fundamentally altered their relationship and Germany's stance on Russian aggression.

Quote:

"He had to be stopped. ... Nothing could have been done to stop it."
— Angela Merkel [08:20]

Reflection on Underestimation and Response

Merkel reflects on whether she underestimated Putin, concluding that she did not. She advocates for continued support of Ukraine and emphasizes the need for a strong, united European response to Russian actions.

Quote:

"I do not think I underestimated him."
— Angela Merkel [10:15]

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3. Angela Merkel and Female Leadership

Approach to Feminism

Merkel's memoir addresses her stance on feminism, revealing her belief in the importance of gender equality in leadership. She acknowledges that while she wasn’t part of the classical feminist movement in Germany, she actively promoted women's participation in politics.

Quote:

"In my way, I feel as a feminist. Yes."
— Angela Merkel [06:14]

Challenges as a Woman Leader

The episode touches on the unique challenges Merkel faced as the only woman in Germany's highest political office. From questioning whether to wear a pantsuit instead of a skirt in the Bundestag to confronting misogynistic remarks, Merkel exemplified resilience and determination.

Quote:

"I have always advocated equal participation of women and men in the world."
— Angela Merkel [05:16]

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4. Reflections on Leadership and Legacy

Diplomacy and Compromise

Merkel discusses her diplomatic philosophy, emphasizing the importance of compromise and peaceful resolution of conflicts. Her pragmatic approach often contrasted with more aggressive leadership styles, particularly in her interactions with Trump and Putin.

Quote:

"We need to find peaceful solutions to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine."
— Angela Merkel [09:15]

Enduring Post-War Alliances

She highlights the significance of NATO and transatlantic partnerships in maintaining global stability, advocating for a strong alliance to counter threats from Russia and China.

Quote:

"NATO... together are we much stronger against those that do not want our way of life, Russia, China."
— Angela Merkel [13:39]

Hope for Continued US Leadership

Despite uncertainties, Merkel expresses hope that the United States will continue to play a pivotal role in global leadership, reinforcing the importance of strong international alliances.

Quote:

"I do not want to believe that this is the end of US Leadership. I don't believe it, and I hope not."
— Angela Merkel [13:46]

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5. Insights from Angela Merkel’s Memoir, Freedom

In her memoir, Merkel provides candid insights into her decision-making processes, the dilemmas she faced, and her strategies for overcoming obstacles. She reflects on pivotal moments, such as her response to the Ukraine crisis and her efforts to balance power dynamics with major world leaders.

Quote:

"Freedom. Chancellor Merkel."
— Mary Louise Kelly [15:01]

Advocacy for Democratic Values

Merkel emphasizes the importance of protecting democratic institutions and promoting peaceful discourse, urging citizens, particularly in the United States, to uphold values of justice, free elections, and respectful dialogue.

Quote:

"Protect the institutions of the United States, the courts, the justice system, the free elections."
— Angela Merkel [15:01]

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Conclusion

Angela Merkel's Freedom offers a profound exploration of her tenure as Chancellor, highlighting her diplomatic acumen, commitment to gender equality, and unwavering dedication to maintaining global stability. This NPR "Consider This" episode encapsulates Merkel's reflections, providing listeners with a nuanced understanding of her leadership and the legacy she leaves behind. Whether navigating the complexities of international relations or championing women's rights, Merkel's memoir serves as an inspiring testament to her influential role on the world stage.

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Notable Quotes:

• "Almost 100%." — Angela Merkel [00:36]
• "In my way, I feel as a feminist. Yes." — Angela Merkel [06:14]
• "We need to find peaceful solutions to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine." — Angela Merkel [09:15]
• "NATO... together are we much stronger against those that do not want our way of life, Russia, China." — Angela Merkel [13:39]
• "Protect the institutions of the United States, the courts, the justice system, the free elections." — Angela Merkel [15:01]

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Listen to the full episode of "Consider This" on NPR to delve deeper into Angela Merkel’s insights and experiences as Germany’s transformative leader.

Transcript

[Mary Louise Kelly]

Few people in the world can claim to have worked closely with the last four American presidents. Angela Merkel is one of them. The first woman to lead Germany, she worked with President George W. Bush on climate change shortly after she became Chancellor in 2005.

[Joe Biden]

I thank you for your leadership on this issue, and I'm looking forward to working with our fellow G8 members. Thank you all. Is that what I said?

[Angela Merkel]

Almost 100%.

[Joe Biden]

Almost 100%. Thank you all.

[Mary Louise Kelly]

Merkel called Barack Obama a friend, and the pair shared an unwavering commitment to the post World War II global order.

[NATO Representative]

Our alliance with our NATO partners has been a cornerstone of US foreign policy for nearly 70 years. In good times and in bad, and through presidents of both parties, because the United States has a fundamental interest in Europe's stability and security. The commitment that angel and I share to this guiding principle has formed the basis for our conversations this afternoon.

[Mary Louise Kelly]

Merkel's relationship with Donald Trump seemed to be anything but easy. It was captured in that iconic photo taken at the G7 summit in 2018. In it, a steely and resolute Merkel, surrounded by other world leaders, leans across a table to stare down a defiant looking Trump. CNN's Christian Amanpour asked the chancellor about it almost a year later.

[Christian Amanpour]

I just wanted to show you this picture because that went viral around the world. I wonder what you can tell me about your personal relationship and your political relationship, because his own White House says he's only strong with the people he considers friends. Do you consider him a friend?

[Angela Merkel]

I think we have close cooperation which simply results from problems we've had to resolve together. And this picture also shows that we are indeed grappling with an issue.

[Mary Louise Kelly]

Merkel stayed committed to the relationship with the US and went to work with Trump's successor, Joe Biden.

[Joe Biden]

The cooperation between the United States and Germany has been strong, and we hope.

[Angela Merkel]

To continue that, and I'm confident we will. Yeah.

[Christian Amanpour]

Thank you.

[Angela Merkel]

You are president, of course.

[Mary Louise Kelly]

Germany's relationship with the United States was just one chapter of Merkel's years as chancellor. Consider this. Angela Merkel has gone toe to toe with world leaders like Vladimir Putin. She led Germany through times of turmoil and became a role model for other women aspiring to positions of leadership. But her legacy is complex. She gets into all of this in her new memoir, Freedom. Coming up, my conversation with Angela Merkel from npr. I'm Mary Louise Kelly.

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[Mary Louise Kelly]

It'S Consider this from NPR in her new memoir, Angela Merkel writes about the many dilemmas she had to navigate as Chancellor of Germany. Dilemmas her male colleagues never had to sweat, like can you wear a pantsuit instead of a skirt in the Bundestag, Germany's parliament. She decided the answer was yes. Merkel is the only woman ever to rise to the most powerful political post in Germany. She served as Chancellor from 2005 to 2021, when she joined me from Berlin to talk about her memoir, Freedom. There were so many things we wanted to ask about her record on everything from the economy to energy to Europe's. But we were given just 11 minutes, no edits. And so we focused on a few key things, US German relations, Vladimir Putin and female leadership. But you describe a moment in 2017, you were on stage at the G20. You were asked, do you see yourself as a feminist? And you had to really think about it. Why?

[Angela Merkel]

It was a sort of preparatory meeting for the G20 meeting in Germany, in Hamburg, and I was asked that question. I had to think, think about that for a moment, because with classical feminism in Germany, I link up something that means that there were real activists, female activists for women's rights, and I was not part of them. And I thought about that. And in this course of my political career, I got to the conviction that equality, the participation of women, is not something that comes about automatically and that therefore I have to stand up and I have stood up and become active for women's quotas, for the promotion and development of women. And therefore in my book, in my way, I write now that I have been a feminist because I have always advocated equal participation of women and men in the world.

[Mary Louise Kelly]

So if I ask you today, in 2024, do you see yourself as a feminist? What's the answer?

[Angela Merkel]

Of my heart? Yes. In my way, I feel as a feminist. Yes.

[Mary Louise Kelly]

One of the many male leaders you have wrangled with is Vladimir Putin. And I want to spend a little time on him and what you have learned from dealing with him. You are famously afraid of dogs. Putin knows this. Would you tell me what happened in Sochi in 2017?

[Angela Merkel]

Well, he knew about it. I already told him when I first saw him officially. Nevertheless, when I came to the official visit in 2006 in Moscow, he already gave me a puppy dog as a gift. And in Sochi, I saw his real dog.

[Mary Louise Kelly]

A toy puppy dog.

[Ron Rudsen]

Right.

[Angela Merkel]

It was a toy. And this was an attempt to really try to sort of inspire fear into me in a certain way. But I tried not to let him know and not to let him sense it. And while I tried to go on business as usual, and we started our.

[Mary Louise Kelly]

Talk, you said you tried not to show fear. Did you feel fear?

[Angela Merkel]

No, at that very moment, I was not fearful. I was absolutely confident that President Putin already knew that nothing aggressive could have happened, and therefore I didn't feel any fear.

[Mary Louise Kelly]

So with this as backdrop for the way that you two have interacted, you write at length in the book about Russia, about Ukraine, and I want to focus on one moment, 2014, little green men have appeared to occupy Crimea, the Ukrainian peninsula. And you write, Chancellor, that you confronted Putin on the phone. Your word that you confronted him, not that you called him with your suspicion that these armed men wearing green uniforms were in fact Russian soldiers. And you say he replied with a bare faced lie. What happened in that call?

[Angela Merkel]

Well, already when he called me up, I was fully aware that it was most likely that these were military forces from Russia on Crimea. And that, of course, has changed my relations with Putin. We had controversies, always. We had controversial talks and discussions always. But up until then, it was my feeling that he didn't tell any lies and this was a lie. And she admitted to that later on. And that has fundamentally change our relationship, because I always had to be very cautious not knowing whether he was telling the truth or not. And that's what I describe in the book.

[Mary Louise Kelly]

And you write, and I'm quoting, the rule breaker was setting the terms. He had to be stopped. I'll make the obvious point. That was 10 years ago. He hasn't stopped, he kept going. And here we are a decade later, with the benefit of hindsight, should Germany, should NATO have done More.

[Angela Merkel]

Of course, when writing the book, I have asked myself that very question. And looking back, I think it was good and right to try everything to find a peaceful solution to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, because we see the high number of victims now that has not been successful. And I also write in the book that from my perspective, the COVID pandemic has made it even more difficult to find solutions to the problem because over a very long period of time, we have not been able to get in touch personally. We only had contact via telephone. We start a war of aggression in February 2014. Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. The world has fundamentally changed, in particular for us, the Europeans. And now we need to show military strength to respond to this. And in the mid term, of course, we also need to find ways to put an end to this war, but in a way that Ukraine remains a sovereign state, a state that can make its own choices and decisions.

[Mary Louise Kelly]

I guess the big picture question is, did you underestimate Vladimir Putin?

[Angela Merkel]

No, I don't think so. For that very reason. Already in 2008, in Bucharest, when there was a NATO summit, I was opposed to accepting Ukraine too quickly into NATO. In 2008, already we've seen that he attacked Georgia. And at the time I believed that we should do everything that was possible to find peaceful solutions. But I have not underestimated him. I was full of concern and worries that actually we would enter up in a strong conflict. And in 2022, while we found that.

[Mary Louise Kelly]

This was true and here we are again, he ended up starting the biggest conflict in Europe since World War II. Tens of thousands of people have died. Nothing could have been done to stop it.

[Angela Merkel]

Up until now, no one has found such a possibility. But I'm no longer actively involved in politics. I can only write about this. And those who support Ukraine today must work together with Ukraine to find solutions to put an end to this conflict. But I can no longer make any contribution because my active political time has come to an end.

[Mary Louise Kelly]

You also write about Donald Trump, about meeting him at the White House after he was elected President. This was 2017. And that you flew home from that meeting feeling uneasy. Why?

[Angela Merkel]

Donald Trump as president? Donald Trump as president was a person who very strongly supported his ideas. That's natural. That's what every President of the United States of America does, as every chancellor does that. But Donald Trump, less than others, believes in the capability or the quality of a compromise. He wants to be the sole winner in any type of conflict. And he does not believe in any win, win situation where both sides benefit from a solution and that makes the collaboration more difficult and different than with other heads of government.

[Mary Louise Kelly]

He called into question NATO as a collaborative security alliance. As you know, many people are wondering whether this moment, his reelection signals the end of the post World War II era of American leadership in the world. Does it?

[Angela Merkel]

I hope that President Elect Trump, as he did in his first term of office, now also understands that NATO does not only serve the purpose of protecting Europe with the support of the US And Canada, but that the partnership with Europe is also a benefit for the United States of America, because together are we much stronger against those that do not want our way of life, Russia, China. It means that there are good reasons even for the United States of America to want NATO to be strong. What we have understood in Europe and in particular in Germany, is that we need to do more for our defense, which we did not do sufficiently in the past.

[Mary Louise Kelly]

So is that a no to my question? This is not the end of US Leadership on the world stage.

[Angela Merkel]

I do not want to believe that this is the end of US Leadership. I don't believe it, and I hope not.

[Mary Louise Kelly]

I want to bring us to an end. Circling back to where we began and questions about being a woman leader, Donald Trump is a man known to hurl insults at women. He uses misogynistic language. He has attacked Nancy Pelosi as evil, sick and crazy. He called Kamala Harris low IQ and stupid. He talks about grabbing women by their genitals. He's been held liable for sexual abuse. Did you ever since he underestimated you because you are a woman?

[Angela Merkel]

No, I did not have that feeling. I think I was the personification of Germany for him. Partly he was a bit rough towards us regarding terrorists, regarding our economic strength as a country. We talked about that frequently. But what you have just described is something that I cannot confirm.

[Mary Louise Kelly]

So, last question. Anything you would like Americans to hear directly from you as we grapple with a new chapter in our leadership here.

[Angela Merkel]

I would wish that there are many citizens of the United States of America that protect the institutions of the United States, the courts, the justice system, the free elections, that many people stand up for compromises, for the fact that we can sort out disputes peacefully and in means of good discussions, and that we get good solutions beyond political borders. Because that speechlessness, the capability not to speak anymore and to insult each other, I think this is a step backwards in civilization. And I would think that many people should stand up against that and put signs up against that.

[Mary Louise Kelly]

Angela Merkel, she led Germany as Chancellor from 2005 to 2021. Her new memoir out today is titled Freedom Chancellor Merkel. Thank you, Dankason.

[Angela Merkel]

Thank you very much.

[Mary Louise Kelly]

This episode was produced by Erica Ryan and Esme Nicholson with audio engineering by Andy Huether. It was edited by Courtney Dorning. Fundraising Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun. It's consider this from npr. I'm Mary Louise Kelly.

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