Berlin – The memoirs of former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, spanning her 16-year leadership, are scheduled for release this November.
Published by Kiepenheuer & Witsch, the nearly 700-page volume, titled “Freiheit” (“Freedom”), co-authored by Merkel and her longtime assistant Beate Baumann, is set to hit shelves on Nov. 26.
Merkel, Germany’s first female chancellor since Nov. 22, 2005, guided the nation through major crises including the global financial downturn, Europe’s debt and migration challenges, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a statement, Merkel expressed her view on freedom, stating, “For me, freedom is not stopping learning, not having to stand still but being able to go further, even after leaving politics.” The book is slated for release “worldwide in over 30 countries.”
Since her tenure ended in December 2021, Merkel has maintained a low profile, refraining from involvement in her center-right party, the Christian Democratic Union, and political events.
Despite accolades as “The World’s Most Powerful Woman” by Forbes for a decade and hailed as a champion of liberal values, Merkel has faced criticism, particularly regarding her handling of Ukraine and Russia.
In response, Merkel has defended her diplomatic efforts, arguing that her actions, including a 2015 peace deal for eastern Ukraine, were essential. She has also defended her government’s decision to procure natural gas from Russia, despite supply disruptions in 2022.
