Merkel reveals in her memoirs: Trump is fascinated by authoritarian leaders

by times news cr

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.

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