Angela Merkel, the former Chancellor of Germany, was once regarded as the most powerful woman in the world. In an interview with the BBC’s Katya Adler, she discusses various topics, including the situation in Ukraine, the nuclear threats posed by Vladimir Putin, and her interactions with Donald Trump.
Merkel served as Germany’s leader for 16 years, navigating significant events such as the financial crisis, the migrant crisis of 2015, and notably, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2014.
Critics question whether she was too lenient towards Moscow or too hesitant in supporting Kyiv. They ponder if the war could have been avoided had she not opposed Ukraine’s NATO membership in 2008.
On Monday, defense ministers from the UK, France, Germany, Poland, and Italy are convening to address the worsening conditions on the frontlines in Ukraine.
However, during her conversation with the BBC in Berlin, Merkel firmly defends her tenure. She asserts that had Ukraine pursued NATO membership in 2008, the conflict would have erupted sooner and potentially been more severe.
“It was evident to me that President Putin would not have passively accepted Ukraine’s NATO accession. At that time, Ukraine was not nearly as prepared as it was in February 2022,” she stated.
In contrast, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky believes Merkel’s NATO decision, supported by then-French President Nicolas Sarkozy, was a significant “miscalculation” that encouraged Russian aggression.
In a rare interview since her departure from politics three years ago, Mrs. Merkel has voiced her concerns regarding Vladimir Putin’s renewed threats to utilize nuclear weapons.
The two leaders developed a strong rapport over two decades of interaction.
“We must take every possible measure to avert the use of nuclear weapons,” the former German Chancellor stated.
“Fortunately, China also addressed this issue recently. While we should not be immobilized by fear, it is crucial to recognize that Russia is one of the two largest nuclear powers in the world, alongside the United States.
“The potential consequences are alarming.”
Despite maintaining high approval ratings throughout much of her tenure, Mrs. Merkel now finds herself in a vulnerable position.
She has recently released her memoir, titled Freedom, and the timing is noteworthy.
She asserts that she did everything within her power to promote peaceful cooperation with Russia.
Notably, Mr. Putin initiated his full-scale invasion of Ukraine just months after her exit from office.
This has led to a comprehensive reassessment in Europe regarding energy policies, diplomatic relations with Russia, and migration policies that had become standard during Mrs. Merkel’s administration.
Leading Europe’s largest economy, she was, as former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi puts it, the de facto leader of Europe—”the boss of the European Union.”
“Do you recall when [former US Secretary of State] Henry Kissinger used to ask, ‘What is the telephone number of Europe?'” he remarks. “My response was clear: it was undoubtedly Angela Merkel’s mobile number.”
He emphasizes that when evaluating Merkel’s legacy—particularly regarding Russia and other matters—it is crucial to consider the context of the era.
“One cannot criticize Angela for her relations with Russia,” he states.
“In 2005 and 2006, fostering those ties was a priority for everyone in Europe, not just for Angela Merkel.”
During her tenure, Germany and its energy-dependent industries became reliant on Moscow, constructing two gas pipelines directly connecting to Russia.
President Zelensky characterized that affordable gas as a geopolitical instrument of the Kremlin.
Mrs. Merkel explained to the BBC that her motivations for the pipelines were twofold: to support German business interests and to preserve peaceful relations with Russia.
However, her approach faced strong opposition from fellow EU and NATO members in Eastern Europe.
Polish MP Radoslaw Fogiel asserted that German investments in gas contributed to Russia’s military funding for the invasion of Ukraine.
Mrs. Merkel maintains that she sought to mitigate Russian aggression towards Ukraine through diplomacy and negotiations, which she acknowledges ultimately did not succeed.
German industry has faced significant challenges due to sanctions on Russian energy, leading the country to seek alternative suppliers and resulting in costly LNG purchases. Businesses report being severely impacted by these expenses.
Mrs. Merkel notes that a “regrettable” new chapter in Europe’s relationship with Russia commenced following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The 70-year-old is now compelled to defend her legacy in various other domains as well.
The 2015 migration crisis, during which she notably opened Germany’s borders to over a million asylum seekers, stands out as a pivotal moment of her tenure.
This decision was met with both fierce opposition and strong support.
US President Barack Obama commended her as a brave and principled leader.
Conversely, detractors accused her of revitalizing the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which was then struggling for relevance.
Currently, the AfD is polling solidly in second place ahead of a snap general election scheduled for early next year.
The party’s primary platform centers around a staunch anti-migrant stance.
Angela Merkel acknowledges the significant gains made by the AfD but does not regret her political choices.
Regarding claims that her 2015 policies contributed to the rise of anti-immigration and far-right movements in other countries, such as the Netherlands, Poland, and France, particularly after her attempt to enforce migrant quotas across the EU, she asserts that she cannot be held accountable for the entire continent.
She believes that the most effective way to counter the far right is to curb illegal migration.
Merkel urges European leaders to invest more in African countries to enhance living conditions, thereby reducing the incentive for people to leave their homes.
However, with sluggish economies across Europe and rising concerns about the cost of living, governments express that there is little financial flexibility available.
Angela Merkel prioritized her nation’s economic interests, particularly in the context of purchasing Russian energy and during the eurozone crisis, when southern EU countries accused her of imposing austerity measures to protect German banks and businesses.
Domestically, she faces criticism for merely “managing” ongoing crises rather than implementing significant, potentially difficult reforms to secure the future of Germany and the EU.
Germany is now referred to by some as “the sick man of Europe.”
Once a dominant force in global exports, its economy is now teetering on the brink of recession.
Voters express dissatisfaction with her lack of investment in infrastructure such as roads, railways, and digital advancements, prioritizing instead a balanced budget.
Under Merkel’s leadership, Germany became increasingly dependent on Russia for energy and on China and the US for trade, decisions that have proven problematic over time.
With Donald Trump potentially returning to the White House in January, there are concerns about punitive tariffs on imports.
Merkel has insights for Europe’s anxious leaders as they prepare for a second term of Trump.
His initial presidency was characterized by frustration towards Europe, especially Germany, regarding low defense spending and trade imbalances—issues that remain unresolved.
What strategies does Angela Merkel suggest for engaging with Trump?
“It is crucial to identify your priorities, articulate them clearly, and not shy away, as Donald Trump can be quite direct,” she notes.
“He communicates his thoughts very explicitly. If you do the same, it fosters a level of mutual respect. That has been my experience.”
However, European leaders now confronting the US, China, and Russia are more anxious—perhaps even more than during Angela Merkel’s tenure.
Economic growth is stagnant, public sentiment is discontented, and traditional political structures are under strain from both the far-right and far-left.
China and Russia are increasingly assertive, while the West appears diminished on the global stage.
Conflicts rage in the Middle East and Europe, with Donald Trump seeming less inclined to support European security.
This may explain why Angela Merkel mentions that when familiar world leaders reach out to her for guidance, she is more than willing to assist.
Yet, when asked if she longs for her former influence and political role, her immediate response is: “No, not at all.”
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