Merkel leaves economic legacy but lacks political clout

The German elections will take place on Sunday (26th), but without one of the most famous names in the world: Angela Merkel. After 16 years as chancellor of Germany, one of the world’s most influential leaders will step down after four consecutive terms.

During her run in power, Merkel pulled Germany out of various economic crises and lowered the country’s unemployment rate from 11.2% to just 5.7%. However, the advisor can see Christian Democratic Union candidate Armin LaschetHe lost to SPD rival Olaf Schulz.

For some experts, the economic strength of Merkel era Do not translate into political issues. Although Germany has become the largest economy on the continent, it has seen the weakening of the European Union over the years and the loss of one of its largest members, the United Kingdom.

Explained Professor of International Relations at Facamp James Onig R7 That Merkel may have lacked a greater voice in political affairs over the years.

‘Head of Economy’ [da Europa] It was not the main policy position. Germany has occasionally washed its hands in many situations. He left France to take over as spokesperson. It’s never an official view, but it’s a geopolitical one.”

Internally, the chancellor saw an increase in the presence of the far-right AfD in parliament in 2017. The election of candidates from that party would be a response to Merkel’s actions in 2015, when she allowed the entry of Millions of immigrants, largely Islamic, in the country.

“[Merkel] I thought that German political unity would include the presence of immigrants, but that was not what society received,” Onig explained of the expansion of the German far right.

two germans

Although the unemployment rate has fallen by more than 5% over the past 16 years, Merkel has failed to promote greater equality between the western and eastern sides of the country. The areas that belonged to the former East Germany – where the chancellor lived during her childhood – remain outside the economic impulse living in the western side of the nation.

This reality is also reflected in the types of work offered in the eastern side and wages that are lower than in the rest of the country, despite the reunification of Germany more than 30 years ago. Working conditions and even communication infrastructure were noted as varying between the western and eastern sides.

During her tenure, Merkel has had to deal with the 2008 financial crisis, the euro crisis, the large influx of Syrian and Iraqi refugees, global warming, and finally the novel coronavirus. Although there are differences in the country, the chancellor has always managed to get Germany out of these difficulties quickly.

“In small details, we understand that the balance for Germany is positive, despite these small wounds that it has not been able to heal,” explained the professor at Facamp.

environmental challenges

Former minister to Chancellor Helmut Kohl, Merkel faced a period of heightened environmental awareness. However, the German leader assumed that “not much happened” between 2005 and 2021 to change the reality of global warming.

Merkel also faced hard Pressure from the Constitutional Court in recent months Mandate for raising German targets on environmental issues. The Federal Reserve rated Germany’s environmental goals as not very ambitious.

For Professor Oneg, Germans now realize that it is impossible to govern without big business, even if those in power have a backed ruler like Merkel.

Longevity in strength and universal recognition

Between 2005 and 2021, the German chancellor met four Brazilian presidents, four American presidents, three French presidents, and four British prime ministers.

Vladimir Putin was one of the few world leaders to remain present during Merkel’s 16-year presidency. Between the tasks of the Russian president and prime minister, the leader of the Moscow Kremlin has always strengthened close contact with Germany.

Although the four terms of office caused a natural attrition between Merkel and the Germans, the chancellor was known in the country as “The Mother”. Local surveys also indicate that 75% of Germany’s population is satisfied with their government. At 67, she will be the first female chancellor not to seek re-election since 1949.

Affection and recognition of the leader transcends the borders of the country, since in 2020 she was chosen by Forbes as the most powerful woman in the world.

Today applaud her. She was welcomed wherever she went, even by the opposition. They realize that Merkel has done a very good job during this period.”