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

(CLO) Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel's memoir, "Freedom: Memoirs 1954 - 2021," has caused a stir since its official publication on November 26th.

Angela Merkel's book will have a major launch in the West and also in China. Tickets for the premiere of the 736-page work at the Deutsches Theatre in Berlin on the evening of November 26th sold out online in just minutes after going on sale a few weeks ago.

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

Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel launched her memoir on the evening of November 26th. Photo: ROP

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

In excerpts released before publication, Merkel reveals her thoughts on current events. For example, she details her experiences with Donald Trump during his first presidential term, the difficulties of being the first female candidate for Chancellor, and the decision to welcome a large number of displaced people in 2015.

Relationship with Mr. Putin

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

Merkel recalled being made to wait by Putin at the G8 summit she chaired in 2007. She also recounted a visit to the Black Sea resort of Sochi that year, when Putin's Labrador dog appeared in a photograph, even though 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 Black Sea resort of Sochi in 2007. Photo: AP

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

She argued that maintaining diplomatic and trade relations with Moscow until she left power was the right thing to do.

Relationships with Trump and Obama

Merkel will be in Washington on December 2nd, where she is expected to launch her book in the US alongside her 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 chancellor's residence in Berlin, Germany, in 2016. Photo: AP

But Trump wasn't so warm-hearted. He criticized Merkel and Germany during his 2016 campaign. In response to that criticism, Merkel said she had to seek a "decent relationship... without reacting to every provocation."

In March 2017, there was an awkward moment when Chancellor Merkel first visited President Trump's White House. Photographers shouted "shake hands!" and Merkel quietly asked Trump, "Would you like a handshake?" There was no reaction from Trump, who looked straight ahead with his hands clasped together.

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

Merkel was the first German Chancellor to voluntarily step down from power. She announced in 2018 that she would not seek a fifth term and said that she was "leaving at the right time."

She pointed to three incidents in 2019 when her body trembled during public gatherings. Merkel said she had thoroughly examined herself and found no neurological or other issues. A doctor told her that her body was releasing stress that had accumulated 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. Several German media outlets have speculated that the memoir will earn 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