What is the story behind this intensely private politician who’s left such a huge mark on Germany and the world? This book goes through her upbringing in East Germany, start as a scientist, the turning point in the collapse of the Berlin Wall, the rise of her political career and 16 years reign as the Chancellor of Germany.
The book shines a light on the upbringing, environment and influences in the life of Merkel. Some of the things I find fascinating in this book are:
- Her life from scientist to politician. Had things turned out differently, she probably would have happily settled staking out her career as a scientist.
- Her hatred for authoritarianism driven from her time in Easy Germany and the negative influence of too much concentration of power.
- Her rise through German politics marked by good fortune, favourable patronage and cold calculation.
- Her decision process in some of the crises during her chancellory, especially to the refugee crisis (as Merkel accepted 1 million refugees to Germany) and the COVID-19 crisis (as she spearheads the establishment of much-needed funds). This is driven by her pledge to do more for the needy.
- Her permanent obligation to the Jews as a result of the Holocaust.
- How she contrasted with other contemporary leaders, especially Trump, Putin and Macron, with the calm and understated demeanour.
- Her intensely private life and how she is able to balance her private and public sides amidst the tough working condition
Pick this up if you want to read the history of a principled and stable leader. We all can learn thing or two through her life and experience!
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56897484-the-chancellor?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_14