Angela Merkel admits to wanting Harris to win US election in memoir

Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s highly anticipated memoir, Freedom: Memories 1954-2021, delves into her dealings with world leaders such as Donald J. Trump and Vladimir Putin.

Set to release on November 26, the 700-pager provides insights into her tenure as Germany’s leader during pivotal global moments, including the global financial crisis, eurozone debt crisis, and the notorious COVID-19 pandemic.

Recently leaked snippets of Merkel’s memoirs have sparked debate about her legacy, especially considering ongoing global challenges.

Merkel’s perspective on Donald Trump

Merkel reveals her struggles to understand Trump’s previous presidency, describing him as “emotional”. In her memoir, Merkel admits she initially misjudged Trump, assuming he would behave “completely normal” during their first Oval Office meeting in 2017. Instead, she encountered a president who saw diplomacy as a zero-sum game.

Merkel recounts how Trump humiliated her by refusing to shake her hand for the cameras, a moment she later realised was a deliberate act to provoke attention.

“He looked at everything like the real estate developer he was – where one person’s gain meant another’s loss,” she writes.

The relationship became more strained when Trump announced the US withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord, which establishes measures to reduce greenhouse gases in order to limit the increase in global temperature to 1.5 degrees. Trump said it was his “solemn duty to protect America and its citizens” and the US will “cease all implementation” of the accord.

In a notable shift from her typically reserved diplomatic tone, Merkel expresses her “heartfelt hope” that US Vice President Kamala Harris is to become the first female president of the United States. It highlights her ongoing commitment to empowering women in leadership.

Merkel’s perspective on Putin

Merkel’s relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin was equally complex. As a fluent Russian speaker, she recounts Putin’s manipulative and vindictive tendencies.

The Telegraph reports that Merkel accused Vladimir Putin of exploiting her fear of dogs as part of his “power games”.

However, she acknowledges that some of his criticisms of Western policies, such as the US invasion of Iraq, were not entirely baseless.

The memoir also addresses Merkel’s controversial decision during NATO’s 2008 Bucharest summit to oppose Ukraine’s fast-track membership. Critics argue that this move may have emboldened Putin’s later aggression toward Ukraine. Merkel defends her position, stating that even discussing eventual NATO membership for Ukraine and Georgia was seen by Putin as a “battle cry.”

Why is Angela Merkel’s legacy under fire?

While Merkel is remembered for steering Europe through numerous crises, her legacy faces some scrutiny. Critics highlight her decisions to phase out nuclear power and rely on Russian gas, which has left Germany vulnerable with an ongoing energy crisis. Other critics point to her handling of the refugee crisis in 2015–16 as a catalyst for the rise of far-right movements within Germany. Despite criticism, Merkel remains unapologetic about her leadership style.

In a report by Reuters, Marcel Dirsus of Kiel University’s Institute for Security Policy said: “During her tenure, Merkel was widely seen as a highly effective politician and a safe pair of hands.”

“Since leaving power, many Germans view her legacy much more critically. Either because her policies are seen to have failed or because her inaction is perceived to have worked on many of Germany’s existing problems.”

Angela Merkel’s memoir offers a rare glimpse into the mind of one of Europe’s most influential leaders. As she prepares to launch the publication in Washington alongside former President Barack Obama, the book is bound to shape ongoing discussions.