Former German Chancellor Merkel's memoir causes a stir on its launch day

(CLO) The memoir "Freedom: Memoirs 1954 - 2021" by former German Chancellor Angela Merkel caused a stir in public opinion when it was officially published on November 26.

Angela Merkel’s book will be launched with fanfare in the West and also in China. Tickets for the 736-page book’s premiere at Berlin’s Deutsches Theater on the evening of November 26 sold out online within minutes of going on sale a few weeks ago.

"Freedom: Memoirs 1954 - 2021" recounts Merkel's life from her childhood and youth in the former East Germany, German reunification and her political rise to the end of her 16-year term as Chancellor in 2021.

Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel released her memoirs on the evening of November 26. Photo: ROP

The book is being published simultaneously as an audiobook and in translation into several languages, including French and English. The 70-year-old former leader is then expected to embark on a tour of major European cities to promote the work.

In excerpts released ahead of publication, Merkel reveals her thoughts on current events. For example, she details her experience with Donald Trump during his first term as president, the difficulties of being the first female candidate for chancellor and her decision to welcome large numbers of refugees in 2015.

Relationship with Mr. Putin

She also explained her relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin and her policies toward Ukraine.

Ms Merkel recalled being kept waiting by Mr Putin at a G8 summit she hosted in 2007. She also recounted a visit to Russia's Black Sea resort of Sochi that year, when Mr Putin's labrador appeared in a photo, even though Mr Putin knew she was afraid of dogs.

Cony the dog walks past German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Russian President Vladimir Putin during a meeting at Putin's residence in the Russian Black Sea resort of Sochi in 2007. Photo: AP

Ms Merkel said she was annoyed by Mr Putin's "self-righteousness" in a 2007 speech in Munich, when he turned his back on previous efforts to develop closer ties with the US. That made her feel Mr Putin was "always on guard".

She argued that it was right to maintain diplomatic and trade relations with Moscow until she left power.

Relationship with Trump and Obama

Ms Merkel will be in Washington on December 2, where she is scheduled to launch her book in the US with friend and former US President Barack Obama.

After first meeting Senator Barack Obama in 2008, Merkel concluded that they could work well together.

US President Barack Obama is greeted by German Chancellor Angela Merkel before a meeting at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany in 2016. Photo: AP

But Mr Trump has not been so warm. He criticised Ms Merkel and Germany during his 2016 election campaign. In response, Ms Merkel said she had to seek a “decent relationship… without reacting to every provocation”.

In March 2017, there was an awkward moment when Ms Merkel visited Mr Trump’s White House for the first time. Photographers shouted “shake hands!” and Ms Merkel quietly asked Mr Trump: “Do you want to shake hands?” There was no response from Mr Trump, who looked ahead with his hands clenched.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and US President Donald Trump shake hands after a joint press conference in the East Room of the White House in 2017. Photo: AP

Relinquish power

Ms Merkel is the first German chancellor to step down from power. She announced in 2018 that she would not seek a fifth term, saying she was "leaving at the right time".

She cited three incidents in 2019 when she was shaken during public engagements. Merkel said she had undergone thorough self-examination and found no neurological or other findings. A doctor told her her body was releasing stress that had built up over the years.

"Freedom: Memoirs 1954 - 2021" is 736 pages long in its original German edition, published by Kiepenheuer & Witsch. An English version is being released simultaneously by St. Martin's Press. Some German media outlets have speculated that the memoir will fetch between 10 million and 12 million euros.

Ngoc Anh (according to DW, AP)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/hoi-ky-cua-cuu-thu-tuong-duc-merkel-gay-sot-trong-ngay-ra-mat-post322969.html