The Chancellor: The Remarkable Odyssey of Angela Merkel

Chapter 5 focuses on Angela Merkel’s political rise in post-reunification Germany, aided by her unique position as an ambitious woman from East Germany. Helmut Kohl, who was Germany’s chancellor until 1998, sought to integrate both East Germans and women into the new German leadership, and Merkel fit this project perfectly. Her ascent was marked by calculated decisions, even if such decisions were against her mentors or close political allies.

Merkel benefited from having different East German mentors, most of whom were forced to leave politics due to rumors of Stasi connections or corruption, leaving the path open for Merkel’s ascension. For example, Wolfgang Schnur, co-founder of DA, was exposed as a Stasi informer. Merkel, as the DA’s spokesperson, handled the ensuing crisis with calm and strategic precision. Lothar de Maizière, a prominent East German reformist, appointed Merkel as deputy spokesperson of East Germany’s first democratic government. However, soon after, de Maizière’s career ended due to false Stasi informer rumors, and Merkel did not defend him, demonstrating her unemotional political style.

In January 1991, Chancellor Kohl appointed Merkel as minister for women and youth. Merkel thus became the youngest and least-experienced member of Kohl’s cabinet. Bonn, the post-WWII capital of West Germany, was an austere, male-dominated environment, challenging Merkel as she transitioned from East to West German politics.

Merkel soon made international connections, including a friendship with Henry Kissinger, who appreciated her rational approach and determination. Despite early challenges, Merkel’s persistence and strategic thinking secured her a significant role in German politics. Merkel’s strategic rise continued as she built a network of independent male sponsors and supporters, securing a Bundestag (the name of the German federal parliament) seat representing the East German region of Mecklenburg Vorpommern. Merkel’s sympathetic campaigning style endeared her to locals, who continued to re-elect her in every federal election since 1990. Merkel faced resistance within the CDU, including the formation of the exclusionary Andes Pact of male politicians supporting each other, to the detriment of women politicians. Merkel’s resilience allowed her to navigate these challenges.

In 1994, Kohl appointed Merkel as minister of the environment. During her tenure, Merkel became accustomed to the complexities of German politics and media relations. Notably, her involvement in the 1995 Berlin Climate Conference marked her international debut, demonstrating her diplomatic skills. The Berlin Mandate, which called for binding emission reduction targets, was a significant achievement under her leadership.

Merkel’s strategic firing of a well-known deputy, Clemens Stroetmann, due to his public assertion of his importance in Merkel’s cabinet demonstrated her growing confidence as a leader. Despite her understated style, Merkel’s determination and strategic thinking continued to propel her forward. She navigated internal party politics and external diplomatic challenges, setting the stage for her eventual rise to the highest office in Germany.

Chapter 6 covers Angela Merkel’s ascent as Germany’s first female chancellor, as well as her early challenges and achievements in office.

In 2005, Chancellor Gerhard Schröder called for early elections, and Angela Merkel emerged as the undisputed candidate of the CDU. Merkel’s pragmatic leadership style, humility, and direct communication endeared her to Germans. Despite a strong start, her campaign faltered due to her choice of Paul Kirchhof, who proposed a flat tax rate, an unpopular idea exploited by Schröder. The election results were nearly tied, leading to intense coalition negotiations.

During a televised election debate between Merkel and Schröder, Merkel’s composed and strategic silence contrasted with Schröder’s bluster, winning public favor. Merkel was eventually sworn in as chancellor on November 22nd, 2005, in the renovated Reichstag building in Berlin, which had become the capital of unified Germany. Her parents and siblings attended, though her husband, Joachim Sauer, was absent. Schröder graciously congratulated Merkel, but old grudges lingered.

Merkel’s first tenure was characterized by her commitment to faith, sense of duty, belief in democracy, and evidence-based decision-making. She prioritized strengthening Germany’s position against Russia and combating racism and xenophobia. Merkel maintained strong transatlantic ties, modeling her approach after leaders like Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush.

Her chancellery was marked by a calm, businesslike atmosphere, free from historical emblems of power. Merkel’s working style emphasized simplicity, humility, and direct communication. She kept a clear distinction between her work and private life, rarely mixing the two. Merkel relied heavily on her trusted chief of staff, Beate Baumann, and a close-knit team for candid advice and support. Throughout her tenure, Merkel’s leadership style was characterized by emotional detachment and a focus on rational decision-making. She avoided grand oratory, preferring plainspoken communication.

Merkel’s foreign policy achievements included a historic speech to the Israeli Knesset in 2008, where she affirmed Germany’s responsibility for the Holocaust and its commitment to Israel’s security. Her direct yet humble address won applause from Holocaust survivors and solidified her stance on antisemitism and German-Israeli relations.

In 2011, influenced by the Fukushima disaster, Merkel made a bold decision to phase out nuclear power in Germany. Her swift action was driven by both scientific reasoning and political strategy, aiming to secure public support and environmental goals. This move also neutralized the Green Party’s opposition, whose campaign was centered on phasing out nuclear power.

In Angela Merkel’s first term, George W. Bush was president of the US. Despite initial differences, Merkel and Bush developed a surprising bond. Merkel admired America, attributing Germany’s post-war recovery to US intervention, and held Bush’s father in high regard for his role in Germany’s reunification.

Merkel’s diplomatic strategy involved building personal rapport to influence other leaders. This strategy was evident in her dealings with Bush, in which she advocated for transatlantic relations and influenced US policy on sanctions and climate change. Merkel’s admiration for America influenced her more lenient stance on the US’s Iraq War, contrary to her predecessor Schröder, who was strongly opposed to it. Nevertheless, Merkel’s criticism of the US detention camp at Guantanamo Bay before meeting Bush showcased the fact that, despite her admiration of America, she still maintained a critical stance.

Merkel and Bush’s connection was solidified during informal visits, like when Merkel and her husband visited Bush’s ranch. Merkel’s pragmatic approach extended to her public image, with her adopting a new style and improving her English for direct communication. Merkel’s rapport with Bush helped bridge policy differences and cemented her status as a key figure in global politics.

In her first term as chancellor, Merkel’s leadership gained wide acclaim, which was reflected in her popularity ratings. Her policies helped revitalize the German economy. Her low-key, results-oriented style and personal charm won over both the German public and international leaders.