In a recent interview with ‘Focus’, former Angela Merkel expressed understanding for the challenges facing the black-red coalition. She emphasized that a chancellor must be able to handle opposition and dismissed accusations that she had “coldly” removed men like Friedrich Merz from the political arena.
Question: Mrs. Merkel, how do you view the current situation of the black-red coalition?
Answer: I have understanding for the struggle for reforms. It is a challenging time, and every chancellor must deal with resistance.
Question: You have been labeled as the ‘man-killing Merkel’. What do you think of this accusation?
Answer: I find that absurd, to be honest. Men constantly push other men out of the way, and when a woman does it, they talk about the ‘man-killing Merkel’. That is completely unfounded in my view.
Question: What do you think about the experiences of women in politics?
Answer: It shows that at that time there was still no experience with women in such competitions. Anyone who wants to hold a high office must go through selection processes where not everyone is happy.
Question: You took over the leadership of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group from Friedrich Merz in 2002. How was that for you?
Answer: It was a difficult decision since I ran against his will. Merz withdrew from politics and only later took over the CDU leadership again.
Question: How do you assess your relationship with Friedrich Merz?
Answer: The relationship is considered tense, despite attempts at rapprochement. I avoid directly contradicting my successor.
Question: Merz said that no chancellor has had to endure as much as he has. What do you think about that?
Answer: I have always approached it by saying to myself: You have to live with it. Germany has a strong judiciary, and in a democratic country, you must endure opposition.
Question: What do you think of Merz’s comments about Iran and the USA?
Answer: I do not want to specify individual word choices. The chancellor says what he says, and his words are simply out there now.
Question: How do you see Friedrich Merz’s chancellor style compared to yours?
Answer: Every chancellor has their own style. I adhered to what I learned from Helmut Kohl. What matters is the outcome.
In conclusion, Merkel addressed the challenges every chancellor must face and emphasized the importance of stability and continuity in politics.
