Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, renowned for her 16-year leadership, is set to unveil her memoirs titled “Freiheit” on November 26, according to an announcement by publisher Kiepenheuer & Witsch on Monday. Co-authored with her trusted assistant and adviser, Beate Baumann, the memoir spans approximately 700 pages, offering insights into Merkel’s extraordinary journey at the helm of one of Europe’s foremost powers.
Ascending to the role of Germany’s first female chancellor on November 22, 2005, Merkel, now 69, steered the nation through a series of monumental challenges, from the global financial crisis to Europe’s debt and migration crises, culminating in the unprecedented trials posed by the coronavirus pandemic.
In a statement released by the publisher, Merkel expressed her perspective on freedom, asserting, “for me, freedom is not stopping learning, not having to stand still but being able to go further, even after leaving politics.” The eagerly anticipated memoir is slated for a global release, spanning over 30 countries.
Since her transition of power to current Chancellor Olaf Scholz in December 2021, Merkel has opted for a low-key presence, abstaining from political engagements and distancing herself from the affairs of her center-right party, the Christian Democratic Union.
Renowned as “The World’s Most Powerful Woman” by Forbes magazine for an unprecedented 10 consecutive years, Merkel was hailed as a staunch advocate of liberal values in the Western world and a beacon of inspiration for women worldwide.
However, her legacy has not been without its detractors, particularly regarding her approach to relations with Ukraine and Russia. Despite criticism, Merkel has staunchly defended her actions, asserting that the 2015 peace deal for eastern Ukraine bought vital time for Kyiv, and stood by her government’s decision to procure significant quantities of natural gas from Russia, even in the face of supply disruptions in 2022.
