Angela Merkel in 2008

Angela Merkel was elected as the Chancellor of Germany in 2005 and subsequently reelected in 2009, 2013, and 2017. She has received numerous accolades, including being named Time Magazine's Person of the Year in 2015,[1] ranking first in Forbes' Power Women 2020,[2] and fourth in their Powerful People list in 2018.[3][4] Merkel has also been awarded several honorary doctorates, such as from Harvard University in May 2019.[5] Holding a doctorate in quantum chemistry earned in 1986,[6] Merkel became the first female and first East German Chancellor of Germany in 2005. She is often referred to as “Mutti Merkel" or Mother Merkel, a nickname suggesting a motherly image, which is attributed to her leadership style in Germany. This article explores Angela Merkel's identity, life experiences, and the significant events that have influenced her public image.

Background and identity

As a migrant

Dr. Angela Merkel in 1995

Merkel was born in 1954 in Hamburg, Germany. Amid the Cold War, her father moved the family from West Germany to the Deutsche Demokratische Republik (DDR). She described her upbringing in East Germany as ‘comfortable’ because of the lack of control over life decisions.[7] At times, Merkel has emphasized and hidden her background as an ‘Ossi,’ a term used by West Germans to describe Germans from the East. Scholars attribute Merkel's ability to remain diplomatic and neutral in part to the history of growing up in the DDR and fearing retribution from the Stasi.[8]

A preacher's daughter

Merkel grew up with a strong Protestant influence from her father, who became a pastor before moving the family to the DDR. The Chancellor's Protestant upbringing was visible in her early years on the political stage. She lived a frugal lifestyle, working behind the scenes and avoiding political power-grabbing.[9] Her established moral compass continued guiding her throughout various events in which she had to make tradeoffs between public opinion and human dignity. The most notable being the 2015 refugee crisis, where Merkel made Germany a European leader in the number of refugees accepted. She forged her own 'moral leadership' which wrestles with the balance between what is right versus what is politically favorable[10]

As a scientist

Still living in the GDR, Merkel studied physics and graduated from the Karl Marx University in 1978 with a degree in physics and physical chemistry. In 1986, she continued her education and received a Ph.D. in quantum chemistry.[11] Merkel continued her work in the sciences at the ‘Akademie der Wissenschaften’ (Academy of Sciences) from 1978 to 1990, where she was one of the few female researchers.[12] Scholars note that Merkel used her career in the sciences to avoid the East German regime; a career in politics may not have afforded her this luxury. Merkel did not transition into politics until her thirties, when she utilized her acquired expertise in her future cabinet positions, including Minister of Environment.[13] Most recently, her background has been seen as an asset for Germany during the COVID-19 pandemic.[14]

Merkel, the only female, pictured with European leaders

As a woman in politics

When Merkel began her political journey in the 1990s, she was one of the first women in domestic politics seen in leadership positions. As she climbed the ranks in the CDU, she became known as Helmut Kohl's "little girl", despite her established career, drawing accusations of sexism.[15] Merkel has historically shied away from talking about personal experience with gender discrimination and tried to avoid "running as a woman". Still, regardless of how Merkel frames herself, the public hasn't hesitated to draw conclusions based on her gender.[16] Some believe that certain media coverage of Merkel reflects sexist attitudes, including an analysis of her hairstyles and wardrobe.[17] Since Merkel stepped down as the CDU party leader, she has become more vocal on women's issues, including the gender pay gap and representation in politics. Merkel refused to declare herself a feminist for most of her career.[18] She finally chose to self-identify as such in a 2021 interview with Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.[19]

Political image

Merkel joined her party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), a center-right party when Germany was first reunited. She served as the Minister of Women and Youth (1991–94), Minister for Environment (1994–98), and the CDU Chair (2000-2018). She won her first term as a Chancellor in 2005 and won three subsequent campaigns in 2009, 2013, and 2018. For comparison, Merkel has continued to lead Germany through four US Presidents, five UK Prime Ministers, four French Presidents, and seven Italian PMs. Merkel's years in leadership were marked by financial, institutional, immigration, and public health crises.[20] Despite the tumultuous times, she has continued to symbolize stability and sanity for Germany and the world.[21] As of January 2021, Statistica reported 84% approved of Angela Merkel's overall leadership and work as Chancellor[22] Merkel will leave her office with a legacy of consistently thoughtful leadership, giving Germany a favorable position in the new world order, being the first female and first East German elected as Chancellor. The following section will detail Merkel's political image.

Mutti Merkel

The reliance on Merkel and her consistent leadership has grown since her first election in 2005. Her reputation as ‘Mutti Merkel’ or Mother Merkel encompasses the idea that she is a dependable and trustworthy figure.[23] The nickname was first introduced as a patronizing term used by her opponents to characterize her as a ‘nagging mother.’ Her party and supporters rebranded the name as a term of endearment and honor.[24] Today, her brand of being ‘Mutti’ encompasses centrist policies with her moral compass guiding her through crises. At times this has meant being a rigid leader, as in the 2008 Euro Crisis. In other circumstances, like the 2015 Refugee Crisis, she has pushed for humanity and compassion.

‘Merkeln’

Angela Merkel's tenure as Chancellor of Germany has been marked by various characteristics, one of which has been perceived by some as indecisiveness or a cautious approach to forming and expressing opinions. This perception became so prominent that the term ‘Merkeln’ was coined in German, becoming the ‘Jugendwort’ (Youth Word) of the year in 2015.[25] While this characterization suggests a critique of her leadership style, it also reflects the cautious consideration Merkel applied in evaluating the consequences of her actions.

Notable events

2007 Merkel meeting with Putin and Koni, Putin's dog

2007 meeting with Putin

The two leaders met to discuss energy supplies in 2007 in Sochi. The event should have been unremarkable however the dynamic changed when the Russian President invited Koni, his 8-year-old Labrador Retriever dog, to join the two. Merkel has a known fear of dogs and was visibly uncomfortable in the situation. Her reaction is what caught the attention of reporters; the Chancellor responded to Putin saying “It doesn’t eat journalists, after all.”.[26] After the event she took control of the narrative; “I understand why he has to do this – to prove he’s a man. … He’s afraid of his own weakness. Russia has nothing, no successful politics or economy. All they have is this.”.[27]

2009 eurozone crisis

The European financial crisis posed a significant challenge during Angela Merkel's first term as Chancellor of Germany. Several Eurozone countries struggled to independently manage their government debts, which risked destabilizing the entire zone. In response, the European Union deliberated on appropriate measures to prevent further financial deterioration, with intense discussions centered around the structure of the "bailout" package. During this period, Merkel's leadership extended beyond national interests to encompass broader European concerns. Her approach, influenced by her background in science, involved careful deliberation and assessment of the complex situation.

Merkel faced criticism for her handling of the Greek bailout package, which opposed austerity measures and seemingly favored the German banking sector.[28] Her delayed response to the crisis has been noted by scholars as a factor that worsened the financial situation in Greece and the Eurozone.[29]

Merkel and Obama's relationship continued after the NSA scandal.

2013 NSA spying

In 2013, reports indicated that the US National Security Agency under President Obama had hacked and spied on European leaders, including the Chancellor herself. Obama reportedly connected with Merkel directly and assured her the allegations were completely false. The outrage in Europe was present, and Merkel was quoted saying, “spying among friends - that simply isn’t done. ".[30] The event hits close to home for Merkel, growing up in East Germany during the Cold War, where spying on friends was a common fear. She is reported to have reminded Obama of this fact stating, “we’re not in the Cold War anymore”.[31] The event did not prevent the two leaders from working together, but it inspired proposals for EU legislation against the transfer of digital data between Europe and America.[32]

2015 Person of the Year

Time Magazine announced Angela Merkel Person of the Year as the “Chancellor of the Free World”. This award came in Merkel's 10th year in office, a year marked by political and humanitarian turmoil.[33] Greece was on the verge of bankruptcy again, and the number of refugees fleeing to the shores of Europe had grown to an uncontrollable scale. A reported 911,000 refugees made the journey in 2015 alone, fleeing civil war, conflict, and poverty mainly from Afghanistan, Syria, and Iraq.[34] As countries started to close their borders, Merkel committed to accepting one million refugees with her famous words “wir schaffen das” or “we can do this” even as her popularity dropped.[35] The Chancellor faced criticism throughout the EU where a Hungarian spokesperson said, “the Germans think they’re the Americans of Europe.”[36] Time Magazine noted that Merkel's leadership during the crisis was influenced by her background both as a migrant from former East Germany and her religious upbringing, which acted as a moral compass that favored humanity over political popularity. Her fast action to welcome the refugees is what the magazine evaluated for the 2015 title. Time concluded their nomination of Merkel writing, “Merkel’s legacy—her bold, fraught, immensely empathetic act of leadership—challenges more than the comfort of European life.[37]

2017 Merkel and Trump Meeting in Oval Office

2017 meeting with Trump

In March 2017, Angela Merkel visited the White House for the first time during Donald Trump's presidency, a meeting that drew significant attention due to the contrasting views of the two leaders on transatlantic relations.[38] The encounter in the Oval Office was closely analyzed, with body language experts commenting on the perceived awkwardness. A notable moment occurred when reporters requested a handshake photo; Merkel appeared to extend her hand, while President Trump did not immediately respond. The interpretation of this interaction has been subject to debate, fueling speculation about the future dynamics of their relationship.[39] However, this incident did not visibly impact Merkel, who has extensive experience in international diplomacy, having met with multiple U.S. Presidents. Her approach to global leadership has focused on seeking cooperation and maintaining diplomatic relations, a stance underscored by her own words, "I seek cooperation rather than confrontation.[40]

2020 Covid crisis

Angela Merkel's background in science has been a notable aspect of her approach to managing the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the virus reached Germany in early 2020, the Chancellor has held regular press conferences to disseminate information about the virus and its implications. In one notable instance, she explained the ‘R0’ factor, emphasizing her scientific expertise. Merkel holds a Ph.D. in quantum chemistry, a fact she referenced during this explanation.[41] Throughout the pandemic, Germany has implemented cautious measures, including a strict lockdown since the resurgence of the second wave in the fall of 2020. Merkel's approach, which combines scientific reasoning with public engagement, has been a factor in her sustained approval ratings during this period.[42]

References

  1. ↑ "TIME Person of the Year 2015: Angela Merkel". TIME.com. Retrieved 2021-03-11.
  2. ↑ Releases, Forbes Press. "Angela Merkel, Christine Lagarde And Kamala Harris Top Forbes' 100 Most Powerful Women List". Forbes. Retrieved 2024-01-14.
  3. ↑ Ewalt, David M. "The World's Most Powerful People 2018". Forbes. Retrieved 2024-01-14.
  4. ↑ "Angela Merkel". Forbes. Retrieved 2021-03-11.
  5. ↑ "Harvard awards nine honorary degrees at 368th Commencement". Harvard Gazette. 2019-05-30. Retrieved 2021-03-11.
  6. ↑ Miller, Saskia (2020-04-20). "The Secret to Germany's COVID-19 Success: Angela Merkel Is a Scientist". The Atlantic. Retrieved 2021-03-11.
  7. ↑ "Merkel: East German upbringing influenced my leadership style". Deutsche Welle. 2019-11-09. Retrieved 2021-03-01.
  8. ↑ "The making of Angela Merkel, a German enigma". BBC News. 2013-09-24. Retrieved 2021-03-01.
  9. ↑ "How Angela Merkel Leads With Her Moral Compass". The Aspen Institute. 2018-12-13. Retrieved 2021-03-01.
  10. ↑ "TIME Person of the Year 2015: Angela Merkel". TIME.com. Retrieved 2021-03-11.
  11. ↑ "Angela Merkel's incredible rise to a quantum chemist and the world's most powerful woman". Business Insider. Retrieved 2021-03-01.
  12. ↑ "Angela Merkel: Germany's Science Chancellor". Cordis Europa. 8 March 2007.
  13. ↑ "Angela Merkel: from physics to politics". Deutsche Welle. 2012-03-08. Retrieved 2021-03-01.
  14. ↑ Miller, Saskia (2020-04-20). "The Secret to Germany's COVID-19 Success: Angela Merkel Is a Scientist". The Atlantic. Retrieved 2021-03-01.
  15. ↑ "The making of Angela Merkel, a German enigma". BBC News. 2013-09-24. Retrieved 2021-03-11.
  16. ↑ Ferree, Myra Marx (2006). "Angela Merkel: What Does it Mean to Run as a Woman?". German Politics & Society. 24 (1 (78)): 93–107. doi:10.3167/104503006780935315. ISSN 1045-0300. JSTOR 23742714.
  17. ↑ Rabimov, Stephan. "How Chancellor Angela Merkel Changed Fashion Politics". Forbes. Retrieved 2021-03-11.
  18. ↑ Schultheis, Emily (2019-01-30). "Opinion | Is the World's Most Powerful Woman Finally a Feminist? (Published 2019)". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-03-11.
  19. ↑ "'Yes, I am a feminist,' says Merkel – DW – 09/09/2021". dw.com. Retrieved 2023-10-10.
  20. ↑ Analysis by Ivana Kottasová. "Angela Merkel endured as others came and went. Now world's crisis manager steps down". CNN. Retrieved 2021-03-09.
  21. ↑ "Bewertung der Arbeit von Angela Merkel als Bundeskanzlerin 2021". Statista (in German). Retrieved 2021-03-09.
  22. ↑ "Bewertung der Arbeit von Angela Merkel als Bundeskanzlerin 2021". Statista (in German). Retrieved 2021-03-11.
  23. ↑ "The world's most powerful woman is seen very differently in Germany". NBC News. Retrieved 2021-03-01.
  24. ↑ "Why Germans came home to 'Mummy'". BBC News. 2013-09-23. Retrieved 2021-03-01.
  25. ↑ "In the words of young Germans, just 'merkeln'". POLITICO. 2015-08-03. Retrieved 2021-03-01.
  26. ↑ Tim Hume (2016-01-12). "Vladimir Putin: I didn't mean to scare Angela Merkel with my dog". CNN. Retrieved 2021-03-01.
  27. ↑ "That time Putin brought his dog to a meeting to scare Angela Merkel". Business Insider. Retrieved 2021-03-01.
  28. ↑ Goodman, Peter S. (2018-11-01). "2 Views of Angela Merkel's Legacy: Stoic Leadership, and Economic Malpractice (Published 2018)". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-03-06.
  29. ↑ Dadush, Uri. "Causes and Consequences of the Euro in Crisis". Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Retrieved 2021-03-06.
  30. ↑ Laura Smith-Spark (2013-10-24). "Germany's Angela Merkel: Relations with U.S. 'severely shaken' over spying claims". CNN. Retrieved 2021-03-06.
  31. ↑ "Merkel testifies on NSA spying affair", Deutsche Welle, 2017-02-16, retrieved 2021-03-06
  32. ↑ "Angela Merkel: NSA spying on allies is not on". the Guardian. 2013-10-24. Retrieved 2021-03-06.
  33. ↑ "Why TIME Chose Angela Merkel as Person of the Year 2015". TIME.com. Retrieved 2021-03-06.
  34. ↑ "2015: The year of Europe's refugee crisis". United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Retrieved 2021-03-06.
  35. ↑ "Angela Merkel's stance on refugees means she stands alone against catastrophe | Alberto Nardelli". the Guardian. 2015-11-08. Retrieved 2021-03-06.
  36. ↑ Walker, Marcus; Troianovski, Anton (2015-12-10). "Behind Angela Merkel's Open Door for Migrants". The Wall Street Journal. Berlin. ISSN 0099-9660. Retrieved 2021-03-06.
  37. ↑ "TIME Person of the Year 2015: Angela Merkel". TIME.com. Retrieved 2021-03-06.
  38. ↑ Mason, Jeff; Rinke, Andreas (2017-03-17). "In first Trump-Merkel meeting, awkward body language and a quip". Reuters. Retrieved 2021-03-06.
  39. ↑ Cillizza, Chris (2017-07-06). "The Merkel-Trump handshake heard 'round the world - CNN Politics". CNN. Retrieved 2021-03-06.
  40. ↑ Lagarde, Christine (August 31, 2019). "Angela Merkel—Striking the Right Note on Leadership". IMF. Retrieved 2021-03-06.
  41. ↑ Bhalla, Jag (2020-04-17). "This viral Angela Merkel clip explains the risks of loosening social distancing too fast". Vox. Retrieved 2021-03-06.
  42. ↑ Miller, Saskia (2020-04-20). "The Secret to Germany's COVID-19 Success: Angela Merkel Is a Scientist". The Atlantic. Retrieved 2021-03-06.
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