Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel revealed, through her memoirs that will be published next week under the title “Freedom,” which the German weekly newspaper “Die Zeit” published excerpts from her experience with US President-elect Donald Trump during his first term, presenting her vision of his relationship with the world and his political values. She also reveals the challenges she faced in dealing with him.
Merkel, who served as German Chancellor for 16 years, wrote in her memoirs, expected to be published on November 26, about Trump: “He judged everything from the perspective of a real estate developer, which was his profession before he entered the world of politics, as he saw that it was not possible to sell… “Any piece of land but once, and if he didn’t get it, someone else would get it. That was the way he looked at the world.”
The American newspaper “Politico” said that although European politicians have been keen not to say anything so far that might upset the president-elect, Merkel, who has remained largely out of the limelight since her exit from power in 2021, “does not need flattery.”
Merkel added in her memoirs titled “Freedom: Memoirs 1954-2021,” excerpts of which were published in the German weekly newspaper Die Zeit: “For him, all countries were in competition with each other, as the success of any country meant the failure of the other. He did not believe that everyone’s prosperity could be increased through cooperation.”
The newspaper highlighted the importance of Merkel’s comments, saying that they are noteworthy given the high level of respect she enjoyed among European political leaders, even with the end of her rule in Germany, and therefore her views on the best way to deal with the former US president will be of interest to politicians preparing for his second term. .
“I asked him, without naming names, how he deals with important people with completely different opinions, and he immediately understood me and answered me frankly: (Bend, bend, bend, but make sure you don’t break).”
She continued: “I liked this vision, and from this standpoint I was trying to solve my problem regarding the Paris Agreement and Trump in Hamburg.”
Merkel discussed her meeting with Trump at the White House in March 2017 in a large part of her writings about him in her memoirs, as she wrote about the meeting: “We were talking on two different levels. He was talking on an emotional basis, and I was on a realistic basis, and when he was listening to my arguments, he was… “It’s just to build new accusations based on what I say.”
She added: “When I returned to Berlin, I did not have a good feeling, as I concluded from my conversations with him that there would be no joint work with Trump for an interconnected world.”
“Politico” reported that only a few months after this meeting, and after Trump expressed his disdain for Europe during his tour of the continent and the “tense” G7 meeting in Italy, Merkel announced that “the continent must rely on itself more than before, and that… “She cannot rely completely on others.”
The former German Chancellor also wrote in her memoirs that during the March 2017 meeting, Trump was keen to know her opinion of Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying: “Donald Trump asked me a number of questions, including about my East German origins, and my relationship with Putin.” She added: “It was clear that he was very fascinated by the Russian president, and in the years that followed, I had the impression that he was captured by politicians with authoritarian and dictatorial traits.”
Last updated: November 22, 2024 – 16:45
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What key themes emerge from Merkel’s memoirs regarding her interactions with Trump during his presidency?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Political Expert on Merkel’s Memoirs about Trump
Time.news Editor (T.E.): Welcome, everyone, to this special segment. Today, we delve into the recently revealed excerpts from former German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s memoir, titled “Freedom,” which offers a fascinating look at her experiences with Donald Trump during his presidency. I’m joined by Dr. Hannah Schwarz, a renowned political expert with a deep understanding of transatlantic relations. Dr. Schwarz, thank you for being here.
Dr. Hannah Schwarz (H.S.): Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss such a significant political figure’s insights.
T.E.: Merkel’s memoirs are set to be published next week, but we’ve already seen some captivating excerpts. One of the key points she makes is how Trump viewed the world through the lens of a real estate developer. What are your thoughts on this perspective?
H.S.: This insight is incredibly revealing. It illustrates how Trump’s background in business influenced his political worldview. His perception that countries are in a zero-sum competition remarkably aligns with his transactional approach to politics. Merkel’s comments imply that he saw international relations primarily as a series of deals rather than collaborative efforts.
T.E.: Indeed. Merkel mentions that for Trump, the success of one nation equates to the failure of another. Do you think this approach is detrimental to international diplomacy?
H.S.: Absolutely. Such a perspective overlooks the intricate interdependencies in global affairs. Issues like climate change, trade, and security often require collaborative solutions. By viewing these relationships through a competitive lens, the potential for mutual growth is diminished. Merkel’s cooperative approach stands in stark contrast to Trump’s philosophy.
T.E.: In her memoir, she also recounts an intriguing principle that Trump shared with her: “Bend, bend, bend, but make sure you don’t break.” What does this reveal about negotiation strategies in international politics?
H.S.: This phrase captures the essence of pragmatic diplomacy. It suggests flexibility and adaptability—qualities that are crucial in international negotiations. Merkel’s ability to navigate her interactions with Trump using this philosophy shows her diplomatic acumen, especially regarding contentious issues like the Paris Agreement. It highlights her willingness to compromise, even when facing significant ideological differences.
T.E.: Speaking of ideological differences, Merkel describes their meetings as being on “two different levels.” Trump communicated emotionally, while she approached discussions with realism. How does this difference in communication styles impact political negotiations?
H.S.: It’s quite significant. Emotional communication can often lead to misunderstandings, while a realistic approach grounds conversations in practicality. Merkel’s identification of this disparity suggests that she recognized the necessity of adapting her communication style to connect with Trump effectively. This dynamic can lead to either fruitful negotiations or frustrating stalemates, depending on the willingness of both parties to understand each other.
T.E.: Considering Merkel’s respected position among European leaders, how important are her reflections for current and future politicians dealing with Trump’s return to the political arena?
H.S.: Merkel’s insights are invaluable. They serve as a guide for European leaders who may need to navigate a potentially tumultuous relationship once again. Her pragmatic strategies and understanding of Trump’s mentality can help them prepare for a new phase in transatlantic relations, emphasizing the need for resilience and adaptability.
T.E.: As we await the full memoirs, what legacy do you think Merkel leaves behind in her interactions with Trump?
H.S.: Merkel’s legacy is one of measured diplomacy amid chaos. She demonstrated the importance of staying true to one’s principles while being adaptable. Her tenure in dialog with Trump showcased how effective leadership can withstand ideological divides, emphasizing that thoughtful engagement in diplomacy is crucial for achieving meaningful cooperation, even with unpredictable counterparts.
T.E.: Thank you, Dr. Schwarz, for your insights. As we look forward to the full release of Merkel’s memoir, it’s clear that her experiences with Trump will continue to resonate in political conversations for years to come.
H.S.: Thank you for the discussion. I, too, look forward to exploring more of her revelations as they come to light.
T.E.: That’s all for today. Join us next time for more insightful discussions on current global affairs.