Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel's autobiography, Freedom. Memories 1954-2021, is set for global release on November 26. The memoir, which is 730 pages long, will be published in more than 30 countries, including China. Merkel provides a thorough overview of her political and personal life throughout her 16-year term as Germany’s longest-serving post-war chancellor.
Her early years in East Germany, her leadership amid significant crises, and her contacts with foreign leaders are all covered in detail in the book. Merkel and former U.S. President Barack Obama will present the book on December 2 in Washington, D.C.
Sharp Critiques of Global Leaders
Merkel's biography offers unvarnished perspectives on her interactions with world leaders. According to her, former US President Donald Trump is "emotional," and she wrote, "we were talking on two different levels: Trump on the emotional, I on the factual."
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Merkel considered Chinese President Xi Jinping's perspective on China's historical role. She noted, "China had been the economic and cultural center of the world. In Xi's view, China should now return to its historic normality."
The former German chancellor made some harsh remarks about Russian President Vladimir Putin. She recalled his willingness to "disrespect others," mentioning particular incidents such as his propensity to hold people up and participate in what she called "canine power-play."
The Sochi Incident and Putin’s Labrador
Merkel referred back to a 2007 encounter in Sochi where Putin unrestrainedly brought his dog, Koni, to her. Merkel, who is known to be afraid of dogs, saw the action as an intentional attempt to make her feel uneasy. She wrote, "Someone constantly on the lookout for signs of disparaging behavior toward him, and yet always ready to disrespect others."
Impact of Merkel’s Tenure
During her tenure, Merkel oversaw a period of global turmoil that included the financial crisis, the debt crisis in the eurozone, and the rise of authoritarianism around the globe. Her narrative provides insight into the difficulties she had while negotiating Germany during these tumultuous times.