The former Chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel, has published her memoirs titled "Freedom." In this book, she explains why she blocked Ukraine's NATO membership in 2008, how she maintained relations with Russia, and her approach to purchasing cheap gas. Reports TSN. This information has been shared by Kontrakty.UA.
The memoirs also discuss her migration policy and internal political struggles. Throughout, Merkel defends her decisions and does not see herself as responsible for Putin’s war against Ukraine. Angela Merkel served as Chancellor for 16 years, until 2022.
TSN correspondent Natalia Fibrih provided details about the presentation of the memoirs.
What is known about Merkel's book
It has been nearly three years since Angela Merkel stepped down as Germany's Chancellor. During this time, she has made few public appearances, focusing instead on writing her memoirs independently, without the assistance of ghostwriters—those who write texts for well-known figures. She wrote on a computer not connected to the internet, resulting in over 750 pages of text.
In her recollections, Merkel describes her childhood and youth in East Germany, her drunken escapade at graduation that led to her falling into a lake, her attempts to be recruited by the "Stasi," and her experience as a squatter in East Berlin after separating from her first husband and having nowhere to live. When the Berlin Wall fell, Merkel warmed herself in a sauna and later enjoyed a beer before heading to work the next morning.
The experiences of the German chancellor and the world's most influential woman are chronicled in more than 600 pages. Despite Germany's energy dependence on Russia, the refusal to bring Ukraine and Georgia closer to NATO, the neglected military and infrastructure in her own country, and the migration crisis that fueled the rise of German far-right groups now winning regional elections, Merkel remains convinced that she acted correctly.
"If you want, say that Merkel is to blame. I just believe that it won't help the country. I take responsibility for the decisions made during my time. But Merkel is gone, and the railways haven't improved, and the power lines aren't being built any faster. Many of the issues from that time are systemic problems," stated Angela Merkel.
Merkel's views on the war in Ukraine
Merkel is asked about her policy towards Russia and Putin last. She recounts that Putin's full-scale invasion was partly due to the COVID pandemic, as he stopped attending summits and communicating with Merkel, which allegedly led to his radicalization.
"Since Putin did not come to Rome due to the pandemic and participated only via video link, we did not have the opportunity to talk to him in the meeting's corridors. We also could not discuss matters with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who certainly has influence over Putin. He was also participating via video link. Direct exchanges of ideas were very important, especially when speaking with politicians from countries with undemocratic regimes, as our worldviews were very different," Merkel explained.
Merkel's stance on Ukraine's NATO membership
Merkel is convinced she was right to block Ukraine's MAP at the NATO summit in 2008. Otherwise, she believes Putin would have been provoked, and the Alliance would not have been able to protect Ukraine. However, Merkel did not provide military support to Ukraine or strengthen her own army, and she continued to maintain relations with Moscow for cheap gas.
"At that time, I tried not to completely sever those relations, not only for economic reasons but also politically. Well, cheap energy sources and the German economy were also factors. Looking back, I personally do not think it was a mistake; I must say that. And I know, I know there are disputes about this, but there is no point in me saying that I misunderstood everything back then and now I see the truth. That's not the case. And why should I do that to gain approval?" she stated.
Merkel on ending the war in Ukraine
When the crimes of the occupiers in Bucha became known in spring 2022, and President Zelensky invited Merkel and Sarkozy, who had blocked Ukraine's NATO membership, to see the consequences of their policies, Merkel was on vacation and responded in writing.
Now, Merkel asserts that the war should be ended through diplomatic means and that Ukraine cannot make decisions independently, but only with its partners.
Merkel's memoirs are being translated into 40 languages. Soon, the former chancellor will embark on a tour, during which she will present her book in the United States alongside former President Barack Obama. Her fee is estimated at over 10 million euros. The Ukrainian translation of her memoirs is set to be released next year.