Angela Merkel on Putin’s dog and Trump’s handshake
Nov 25, 2024
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Angela Merkel, the former German Chancellor, reflects on her impactful leadership and interactions with world leaders like Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump. She shares captivating anecdotes, including her views on Trump’s handshake and her diplomatic strategies. Merkel discusses the complexities of the 2015 migration crisis and its political repercussions in Europe, while revealing her thoughts on rising far-right movements. Her insights on NATO and the need for unity highlight the challenges of modern governance.
Angela Merkel highlighted the necessity of clear interest representation in negotiations, especially when dealing with leaders like Trump.
Her approach to the 2015 migrant crisis reflected a commitment to human dignity, despite the rise of far-right populism in Europe.
Deep dives
Angela Merkel's Diplomatic Legacy
Angela Merkel's tenure as German Chancellor showcased her adeptness in navigating complex international relations, particularly with influential leaders like Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. Merkel emphasized that with Trump, representing one's interests clearly was crucial, as he viewed negotiations in a win-lose framework rather than seeking mutual benefits. This approach reflected her broader diplomatic strategy, which centered on establishing respect even amidst challenging negotiations, such as when she interpreted Trump's actions during their first meeting. Conversely, her relationship with Putin was shaped by their shared backgrounds in East Germany, allowing her to engage more personally, but she cautioned that their differing worldviews made harmonious relations difficult.
The Refugee Crisis and Its Aftermath
Merkel's decision to welcome over a million refugees into Germany during the 2015 migrant crisis has had lasting implications for German and European politics. She believed in the importance of human dignity and sought to respond to the humanitarian needs of those fleeing war, despite significant pushback that arose from right-wing populism in Europe. Critics contend that her policies inadvertently energized far-right parties like the AfD, which gained traction in the wake of her migration decisions, asserting that these choices fueled nationalistic sentiments across Europe. Merkel defended her stance by arguing for the necessity of proactive solutions to manage illegal migration, highlighting ongoing issues that remain relevant today.
Reflections on European Unity and Future Directions
Merkel views the British exit from the European Union as a significant loss for Europe, describing it as a humiliation that weakened the collective strength of the region. Her experiences growing up in East Germany inform her perspective on the importance of unity and cooperation within Europe, as she believes a divided continent echoes the painful past of her youth. Despite criticism surrounding her prioritization of German interests, especially regarding energy dependence on Russia, she remains committed to fostering collaborative solutions to address global challenges. Looking ahead, she emphasizes the need for younger generations to embrace dialogue over division, asserting that engaging with diverse viewpoints is essential for democratic progress.
The BBC sits down with the former German chancellor. For nearly two decades Angela Merkel was one of the most influential politicians and most powerful women on in the world. Now, three years after stepping down, what does she make of the current state of world politics – from the threat posed by Russia, to the return of Donald Trump, and the rise of the far right in Europe?
On this episode, the BBC's Europe Editor, Katya Adler, tells Caitríona Perry what she learned from her interview with Angela Merkel in Berlin, including the ex-chancellor's experiences with Vladimir Putin, and her handling of the 2015 migrant crisis.
Producers: Peter Goffin and Alix Pickles
Sound engineers: Gareth Jones
Assistant editors: Sergi Forcada Freixas and Richard Moran
Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson
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