Memoir of former German chancellor recalls US president’s soft spot for tyrants and apparent fascination with Putin

Summary

In her memoir Freedom, Angela Merkel reflects on her misjudgment of Donald Trump, initially treating him as “completely normal” before realizing his emotional nature and authoritarian inclinations.

She recounts his attempts to humiliate her, his zero-sum worldview, and fascination with autocratic leaders like Vladimir Putin.

Merkel also critiques Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris climate accord and his hostility toward Germany.

Addressing her legacy, she discusses tensions with Putin over NATO and acknowledges criticism of her reliance on Russian gas and liberal refugee policies.

  • ahornsirupEnglish
    2·
    7 hours ago

    Merz is going to form a coalition with the SPD and/or the Greens. We’re going to get another 16 years of stagnation, not the fall of the republic.

    • Don_alFornoEnglish
      3·
      6 hours ago

      In 25. In 29 he’ll shamelessly go with the Nazis, mark my words. He’s already talking like they did 5 years ago.

      I also wouldn’t put it past him to copy Voigt, call a vote on certain things and act all surprised when the AfD helps him win against his “partner”.