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Thomas Galley
Thu, 07/15/2021 - 08:30

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This is a great analysis of how Angela Merkel used her position for breaking European integration on all fronts. I always was convinced of her deep-rooted aversion to the EU and what it also stands for: German integration in the Western hemisphere and its values. Though there really is a lot to be said against Helmut Kohl, I am deeply nostalgic of his attitude towards Europe. This was BTW the reason for the one and only time I voted CDU ;-)
One point I would like to add some thoughts to: You write about Merkel talking to "world leaders like Vladimir Putin, Joe Biden and Xi Jinping", continuing with: "That side of German foreign policy is thriving." Well, I really am not sure about this, especially when there seem to be so many Chinese inspired totalitarian approaches in the attitude towards the pandemic and social surveillance of civil society. It is in these final Merkel years that Germany is getting dangerously close to taking a massively authoritarian turn, and Merkel is in the middle of it.
I think you have been quite reticent in your conclusion. Personally I would say that Angela Merkel has been a disaster for Europe as well as for Germany. I sincerely hope that her successor will have a better approach to those questions. Armin Laschet at least is a convinced European, being deeply rooted in the German far west. Perhaps he will be the reason I at least will consider giving my vote to his party.

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