What's happened
Angela Merkel's upcoming memoir reveals her complex relationship with Donald Trump, highlighting their awkward first meeting and her views on his leadership style. She describes Trump as a challenge to multilateralism and reflects on the impact of his presidency on global politics.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to the New York Times, Merkel's memoir provides a candid look at her interactions with Trump, noting that she initially misjudged his emotional nature. She reflects, 'Instead of stoically bearing it, I whispered to him that we should shake hands again,' revealing her struggle to navigate his unpredictable behavior. In contrast, AP News emphasizes Merkel's view of Trump as a 'challenge for the world,' highlighting her concerns about the implications of his presidency for multilateralism. The Guardian adds depth by discussing Merkel's realization that Trump viewed international relations as a zero-sum game, stating, 'For him, all countries were rivals in which the success of one meant the failure of another.' This multifaceted portrayal underscores the complexities of their relationship and the broader implications for global politics.
How we got here
Merkel served as Germany's chancellor from 2005 to 2021, navigating significant global events, including Trump's presidency. Her memoir, 'Freedom: Memoirs 1954-2021', is set to be released on November 26, 2024, providing insights into her tenure and views on contemporary leaders.
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Angela Dorothea Merkel is a German politician who has been Chancellor of Germany since 2005. She served as the Leader of the Christian Democratic Union from 2000 to 2018.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Kamala Devi Harris is an American attorney and politician who has served as the junior United States Senator from California since 2017.
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Hillary Diane Rodham Clinton is an American politician, diplomat, lawyer, writer, and public speaker who served as the 67th United States Secretary of State from 2009 to 2013, as a United States Senator from New York from 2001 to 2009, and as First Lady o
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Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008.
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The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, also called the North Atlantic Alliance, is an intergovernmental military alliance between 30 North American and European countries.