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.

  • Akasazh@feddit.nlEnglish
    15·
    5 days ago

    Yup that’s fair. I don’t mean to say she’s above criticism. My point was that a politician able of introspection and able to even accept the concept of their own failure is delightful.

    But that’s mainly criticism of all politicians in general than praise of her.

    • shaserlark@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
      3·
      5 days ago

      On that I couldn’t agree more with you. Politics have always been sad but imo nowadays our politicians aren’t only by and large bad people (nothing new here), but they’re also terribly incompetent with no visions, no values, but all the confidence in the world on the other hand…