German Chancellor Angela Merkel faces criticism for her book which offers little self-reflection or new information, with many details already well known. Critics have also pointed out that she largely evaded tough questions, particularly about being too conciliatory towards Russia.
Criticism of Angela Merkel’s Book
Analysts have pointed out that despite its 700-page heft, the book offers little in the way of self-reflection or new information.
Critics have said that Merkel largely evaded tough questions, particularly about being too conciliatory towards Russia.
Key Points from Merkel’s Defense
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Merkel defended her decisions on refugees, saying that turning people away would have been “so much worse.”
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She rejected accusations of being too conciliatory towards Russia, saying that accepting Ukraine’s bid to join NATO sent a strong signal to the Kremlin.
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Merkel also defended her decision to eschew certain European Union statutes that require refugees to be processed in the first EU country they arrive in.
Criticism and Controversy
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Critics have said that Merkel’s book offers little in the way of self-reflection or new information, with many details already well known.
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The book is also light on several topics, such as religion, with only a few scattered mentions of Islam and no discussion of Christian faith.
Quotes from Merkel’s Book
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“The alternative was to turn people away, which for me, was so much worse.”
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“Probably his greatest joy was that the American president had to wait for him.”
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“He was someone I could work well with.”
Meetings with World Leaders
Merkel recalled her meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin, describing him as someone who was “always ready to disrespect others.”
She also described former US President Barack Obama glowingly, saying she knew right away that he was someone she could work well with.
Merkel revealed that Obama was one of the confidantes she sought advice from when deciding whether to run for a fourth term in 2017.
Reactions and Responses
Analysts have pointed out that despite its 740-page heft, the book offers little in the way of self-reflection or indeed, little information at all that isn’t already well known.
Merkel’s decision to eschew certain European Union statutes has been met with criticism, with some saying that it was a mistake to welcome asylum seekers from countries like Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan unequivocally.
Upcoming Tour
The former chancellor will head to other major European cities to promote her work and then to Washington, where Obama is expected to be on hand to support her.
