The Chancellor: The Remarkable Odyssey of Angela Merkel

In May 2017, Emmanuel Macron became the youngest head of state in the EU at 39. He was a liberal politician, who defeated the far-right ally of Trump and Putin, Marine Le Pen. Merkel saw Macron as a promising ally in the fight against authoritarianism and shared his vision for a united Europe, although their approaches differed significantly.

Macron’s leadership style was ambitious and impatient, favoring rapid integration and reform within the EU, while Merkel preferred guarded negotiation and incremental progress. Their differences in style and national narratives were paralleled by Germany and France’s historical approaches, with France being more aggressive militarily and Germany having an economic, calculated approach.

Despite their differences, Merkel and Macron shared a commitment to strengthening Europe against external threats, including from Putin and Trump. Macron’s calls for European autonomy, a single banking system, and a European army were determined, but Merkel was hesitant due to her country’s commitment to an anti-military peace program.

The relationship between Merkel and Macron was complicated by Macron’s bold, often unilateral actions, which sometimes frustrated Merkel. However, they found common ground on key issues, such as developing a joint defense program outside of NATO and supporting a banking union to prevent future financial crises.

Chapter 18 details Merkel’s last years as chancellor. During these years, Angela Merkel focused on securing lasting policies and connecting with East Germans, who felt overlooked post-reunification. She acknowledged their struggles and insisted on her identity as an East German. This marked a shift from her earlier reluctance to discuss her origins. Merkel’s nostalgia for her East German youth became more evident, and she often spoke about the experiences that defined her childhood, including the sensory ones.

Despite her efforts, some East Germans remained critical. At a town hall in Stralsund in 2019, an AfD member accused her of leading Germany into a dictatorship. Merkel responded calmly, emphasizing freedom and her belief in her refugee policy, stating that Germany could not protect its wealth alone and had to think globally.

Merkel also addressed gender inequality. At the Global Forum for Young Leaders in 2018, she highlighted the absence of women in leadership, stating that they enrich both private and political life. She recalled her own experiences of condescension and championed women’s roles, transforming Germany’s political culture.

In 2019, Merkel visited Auschwitz, marking a poignant moment in her commitment to confronting Germany's dark past and combating rising antisemitism and racism. She emphasized the importance of remembering the victims and preventing such atrocities from reoccurring.

Merkel’s final year saw her embrace the role of climate change ambassador, as she became more vocal in pledging action against global warming. She also focused on improving digital access in rural Germany. By February 2020, Merkel was focused on understanding advancements in artificial intelligence, recognizing its implications for Germany’s future. Merkel did not want Germany to fall behind China in the technological area.

The COVID-19 pandemic further tested Merkel’s leadership. In a televised address, she urged Germans to take the virus seriously and implemented strict measures, emphasizing transparency and the importance of collective action. Her calm, fact-based approach and personal example in quarantining herself bolstered public trust and compliance. Germany’s infection rates remained relatively low. Merkel’s leadership during the pandemic was marked by competence and empathy. Her experience as a scientist helped her manage the crisis effectively, convincing Germany’s federal states to implement necessary measures. She navigated the pandemic by focusing on strengthening public health and keeping the economy stable, demonstrating once more why her leadership was essential during challenging times.

Moreover, Merkel’s diplomatic strategy was key in securing an EU-wide deal in which member states, such as Austria, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, and the Netherlands, that were not severely affected by the pandemic, helped those that were, such as Spain, Italy, and France, with a substantial loan.

Merkel also participated in her last months in office in a major deal between 27 states in the EU and China. The deal addressed climate change, financial matters, trade, and human rights issues. As Merkel’s last major agreement before retirement, it was an important effort to give Europe the possibility of strengthening its ties to a major competitor, China.

In her final year, 2020, Angela Merkel’s focus remained on managing the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving her little time to consider her post-chancellor life. Despite the challenges, she maintained her global stature without scandal and avoided becoming a dwindling politician. Merkel missed pre-pandemic interactions but was proud of the German BioNTech vaccine, which was conceived by a German laboratory founded by Turkish immigrants to Germany.

Kati Marton reflects on Merkel’s legacy, which includes a more united EU despite challenges like Brexit and the pandemic. Merkel’s approach to leadership was marked by endurance and resilience. She never sought public affection, instead prioritizing duty and effective governance.

Merkel’s plans for her retirement involve enjoying simple pleasures like walks, cooking, and travel. As she transitioned away from power, Merkel left behind a transformed Germany and a legacy of competence, decency, and reason.