The Chancellor

1. Shaped by the East: A Pastor's Daughter Forged in a Surveillance State

“Of course, this childhood shaped my life,” she says, perhaps inadvertently providing the key to who she is, how she has maintained power for an astonishing decade and a half, and why she remains a figure of mystery even in her own country and certainly to the world.

Early life influences. Angela Merkel's upbringing in atheist East Germany as the daughter of a Lutheran pastor instilled in her a unique perspective. Her father's decision to move the family from West to East Germany, answering a call to serve, highlighted sacrifice and duty. Growing up in a police state where candor was dangerous taught her caution, self-discipline, and the importance of keeping her own counsel.

Navigating two worlds. Merkel learned early to navigate between the demands of the atheist state and her family's faith. This required mental finesse and a shrewd ability to adapt and compromise without fully conforming. Her exposure to the Stasi's pervasive surveillance fostered a deep distrust of unchecked power and a lifelong insistence on personal privacy.

Values and resilience. The simple life in Templin, surrounded by nature and the church community (including those with disabilities), grounded her. Her father's demanding nature pushed her to seek approval through achievement, while her mother provided warmth. This environment, coupled with the constant pressure of the state, built a resilience and self-reliance that would define her political career.

2. The Scientist's Method: Logic, Facts, and Patience as Political Tools

“I chose physics because I wanted to understand Einstein’s theory of relativity and because even East Germany wasn’t capable of suspending basic arithmetic and the rules of nature,” she said later.

Science as refuge. In the ideologically controlled environment of East Germany, physics offered Merkel a realm of objective truth and rational thinking. Her scientific training instilled a rigorous, analytical approach to problems, breaking them down into component parts and seeking evidence-based solutions. This became her default mode, even in the messy world of politics.

Applying scientific principles. Merkel brought a scientist's precision and patience to political negotiation. She preferred facts over rhetoric, analysis over emotion, and long-term outcomes over immediate political wins. This methodical approach often unsettled adversaries accustomed to bluster and posturing, allowing her to maintain composure under pressure.

Beyond the lab. While she realized she wouldn't be a Nobel-winning physicist, her years in science were not wasted. The discipline, the focus on understanding complex systems, and the comfort with data became foundational to her political success. She applied this same rigor to mastering new subjects, from economics to foreign policy.

3. The Power of Privacy: Guarding the Inner Life for Political Longevity

“I have made very sure that there are boundaries, so certain areas of my life are not open to the public,” she says.

A shield against scrutiny. Merkel's insistence on a fiercely private life is a defining characteristic and a key to her longevity. Having grown up under constant surveillance, she drew a sharp line between her public role and her personal life, refusing to share intimate details or use social media. This denied the media and rivals ammunition and allowed her to maintain emotional balance.

Normalcy as strategy. Despite being one of the world's most powerful figures, Merkel cultivated an image of normalcy – doing her own grocery shopping, living in a modest apartment, and spending weekends in her simple country cottage. This relatable image, combined with her private nature, made her persona less subject to public fatigue than more flamboyant politicians.

Trusted inner circle. Her privacy extended to her professional life, with an exceptionally loyal and discreet staff, many of whom served her for decades. This tight-knit group, particularly her chief of staff Beate Baumann and husband Joachim Sauer, provided a trusted space where she could be herself, seek counsel, and maintain her equilibrium away from the public eye.

4. Strategic Ascent: Outlasting Mentors and Mastering the System

“The King Is Dead, Long Live the Queen” might have served as an alternate headline.

Leveraging opportunity. Merkel's political career began quietly after the fall of the Berlin Wall, joining a small East German party. She quickly demonstrated competence and a calm demeanor in chaotic situations. Her timing was fortuitous, as Chancellor Helmut Kohl sought to integrate East Germans and women into his government.

Outmaneuvering rivals. Kohl became her mentor, calling her his "Mädchen," but Merkel was not content to remain a protégé. When Kohl was embroiled in a financial scandal, Merkel seized the moment, publishing an article that coolly declared his era over. This bold, calculated move eliminated her mentor and cleared the path for her to become CDU party chair, demonstrating a ruthless streak beneath her placid exterior.

Building her own base. Aware of the patriarchal nature of the CDU and the skepticism she faced as an East German woman, Merkel strategically built her own political base. She won a seat in the Bundestag representing an East German district and cultivated relationships independent of powerful male patrons, ensuring her rise was not solely dependent on others.

5. The Euro Crisis: Reluctant Leader of a Fractured Europe

“If the euro fails, it is not just the currency that fails,” she said. “Europe fails.”

Crisis reveals flaws. The 2008 global financial crisis exposed fundamental flaws in the eurozone structure, particularly the lack of a central fiscal authority. As Europe's largest and most stable economy, Germany, and thus Merkel, were thrust into the role of reluctant leader, grappling with how to bail out struggling southern European economies like Greece.

Austerity vs. solidarity. Merkel's response was rooted in German values of thrift and fiscal responsibility, advocating for austerity measures in exchange for bailouts. This approach, while aimed at long-term stability, was seen by many as harsh and inflexible, leading to widespread protests and anti-German sentiment in affected countries. She struggled to balance the need for European solidarity with the demands of her own conservative electorate.

Learning and adapting. The crisis was a steep learning curve for Merkel in global finance and crisis management. While initially criticized for her slow and methodical approach, she ultimately succeeded in holding the eurozone together. The experience, however, highlighted the deep divisions within the EU and the challenges of leading a bloc of nations with disparate economic cultures and political interests.

6. The Refugee Crisis: A Defining Moral Stand with Political Costs

“If Europe fails on the question of refugees, then it won’t be the Europe we wished for,” she continued, calling on the twenty-six other EU members to offer asylum to greater numbers of refugees, each according to its capacity.

A moral imperative. In the summer of 2015, faced with a surge of refugees fleeing wars and persecution, particularly from Syria, Merkel made a bold, values-driven decision to open Germany's borders. This act, rooted in her Christian faith and Germany's post-Holocaust commitment to human dignity, transformed Germany into a symbol of humanitarianism.

"Wir schaffen das". Her simple declaration, "We can handle it," became both a rallying cry and a point of contention. While millions of Germans volunteered to help, the rapid influx of over a million newcomers strained resources and exposed societal anxieties. Merkel struggled to articulate the policy's long-term benefits and connect with citizens fearful of rapid change.

Political backlash. The refugee policy fueled the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which capitalized on anti-immigrant sentiment. Merkel faced harsh criticism, protests, and even personal attacks, including being called a "traitor." The crisis revealed the limits of her consensus-building approach and the political cost of a decision driven primarily by moral conviction rather than political calculation.

7. Navigating Autocrats: Pragmatism and Principle with Putin and Xi

“He is living in his own world, out of touch with reality,” Merkel told Obama bitterly.

Experience with authoritarianism. Having grown up in a police state, Merkel possessed a unique understanding of authoritarian regimes and the leaders who run them. This gave her an edge in dealing with figures like Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping, recognizing their tactics of deception, control, and power projection.

Pragmatic engagement. Merkel favored pragmatic engagement over public confrontation with dictators. She believed in maintaining dialogue, even with those she deeply distrusted, seeking slivers of common ground on issues like climate change or trade. Her approach was rooted in the belief that isolating powerful nations was counterproductive and that dialogue, however difficult, was necessary.

Standing for values. Despite her pragmatic approach, Merkel consistently raised human rights concerns in private meetings with authoritarian leaders. She supported dissidents and spoke out against atrocities, albeit often in measured tones. Her long-standing relationships, particularly with Putin, allowed her to deliver blunt messages that other Western leaders could not, though her efforts often yielded limited results against determined strongmen.

8. The Trump Challenge: Defending the West Against Its Own Leader

“The times in which we could fully count on others are somewhat over.”

A jarring shift. Donald Trump's election in 2016 presented Merkel with an unprecedented challenge: the leader of the country she most admired and relied upon actively undermined the transatlantic alliance and democratic norms. Trump's attacks on NATO, the EU, and multilateralism struck at the core of Merkel's foreign policy convictions.

Holding the line. Merkel became a reluctant defender of the liberal world order, often standing in stark contrast to Trump's "America First" nationalism. She navigated his unpredictable behavior with composure, refusing to engage in his personal attacks and focusing on maintaining working relationships where possible, while subtly pushing back on his policies.

Shifting alliances. Trump's actions forced Merkel to declare that Europe could no longer fully rely on the United States and must take its destiny into its own hands. This marked a significant shift in Germany's foreign policy orientation, pushing Europe towards greater self-sufficiency, particularly in defense, though Merkel remained committed to the underlying values of the transatlantic partnership.

9. Confronting the Far Right: The Rise of the AfD and German Division

“Something has changed in our country. The tone of arguments has become rougher, the respect for different opinions has eroded, as has cohesion between old and young, between East and West, city and countryside, between people who have been living here for generations and new arrivals."

A new political landscape. The rise of the AfD, fueled initially by opposition to the euro bailouts and later by anti-immigrant sentiment, fundamentally altered German politics. For the first time since WWII, a far-right party gained significant representation in the Bundestag, bringing a harsh, nationalist tone to public discourse.

Struggle for connection. Merkel initially tried to ignore the AfD, believing it would wither without attention. However, the party's success, particularly in her native East Germany, highlighted a segment of the population that felt left behind and unheard. Merkel struggled to connect with their grievances, often dismissing their fears as irrational or xenophobic, which further alienated some.

Defending democratic norms. Despite the challenges, Merkel refused to cooperate with the AfD, drawing a clear line against extremism. She consistently defended democratic values, the rule of law, and human dignity against the party's attacks. While the AfD's presence remained a disturbing feature of her final term, Merkel's stance reinforced Germany's commitment to its post-war democratic consensus.

10. The Pandemic Crucible: Calm Leadership in Unprecedented Crisis

“Es is ernst,” Merkel said with unaccustomed intensity. “This is serious.”

Scientist in crisis. The Covid-19 pandemic presented Merkel with a crisis uniquely suited to her strengths as a scientist and a leader who values facts and calm. Her clear, direct communication, rooted in scientific expertise, built trust with the German public. She explained complex concepts simply and appealed to citizens' sense of collective responsibility.

Trust and competence. Merkel's long-standing reputation for honesty and competence paid dividends during the pandemic. Germans largely trusted her guidance, leading to high compliance with public health measures. Her methodical approach, including widespread testing and contact tracing, helped Germany fare better than many other countries in the initial phases.

European solidarity. The pandemic also allowed Merkel to make a final, bold move towards greater European integration. Recognizing the devastating economic impact on southern Europe, she championed a historic recovery fund based on grants, not just loans. This demonstrated a shift from her earlier austerity stance and reinforced her vision of a united, supportive Europe.

11. Legacy of Endurance: Quiet Strength in a Turbulent World

“She tried.”

Enduring presence. Angela Merkel's sixteen years as chancellor were marked by relentless crises, yet she remained a constant, stable presence. Her endurance, resilience, and ability to weather political storms became her defining characteristics. She defied expectations, outlasted rivals, and navigated a rapidly changing global landscape with quiet determination.

A different kind of leader. Merkel redefined leadership, demonstrating that power could be wielded effectively without bombast, charisma, or a focus on personal image. Her pragmatic, analytical, and understated style stood in stark contrast to the performative politics of many contemporaries, proving that substance and competence could command respect on the world stage.

A complex legacy. Her legacy is multifaceted: she transformed Germany into a more liberal and humanitarian nation, steered Europe through multiple crises, and became a symbol of democratic stability. Yet, she also faced criticism for her caution, her handling of the euro crisis, and the political fallout from the refugee influx. Ultimately, her impact lies not just in specific policies, but in her embodiment of resilience, duty, and a steadfast commitment to democratic values in turbulent times.

Last updated: May 6, 2025