There would no better commentator on Merkel's years than Germany's premier intellectual, Jürgen Habermas. Though 89, he's still very intellectually active. He has seen Germany through it's West-East divisions, greatly theorized its unification, become a leading voice for an EU Constitution, and a vocal commentator on recent EU politics and German political life. He can be contacted through his former philosophy department at Frankfurt University. It would be a great honor to him, I'm sure (as long-time student of his work) to provide candid commentary for the NYTimes.
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Merkel studied physics.
From Wikipedia:
Near the end of her studies, Merkel sought an assistant professorship at an engineering school. As a condition for getting the job, Merkel was told she would need to agree to report on her colleagues to officers of the Ministry for State Security (Stasi). Merkel declined, using the excuse that she could not keep secrets well enough to be an effective spy.
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Even cooler than I thought.
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Didn't always agree with her, but admire her immensely. Merkel is one class act. Unlike most NYT commenters, I think she did the right thing by opening Germany's doors to refugees - she realized that Germany has a historic debt to pay. That's much more than any US leader has ever done.
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It's hard to remember that Merkel was right of center. She is a leader without compare akin to President Obama. She is a true public servant, a reflective thinker and a woman of great heart. No wonder Tracey Ullman adores her so much. I adore her and I am a progressive feminist! Great story and superb photos.
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We will miss her steady hand, experience and compassion on the world stage.
9
I was never a fan of the conservative CDU and its Bavarian sister the CSU, and memories of the politician Franz Josef Strauss to this day still fills me with dread, but there's no way to deny that Angela Merkel managed to steer Germany through many difficult phases with a steadfast and humanitarian leadership that has all but vanished from the world stage today.
While many Americans (and Germans) will be quick to judge her solely on her decision to open Germany and ultimately Europe to over a million migrants and refugees in 2015, Germany's larger political problems began well before then and to a great extent can be faced to the fall of the Wall.
In many ways, it's the feelings of resentment and inferiority that have helped to give rise to the nationalist and far-right parties that are part of Germany's landscape today.
I was still in Germany at that time and remember how "Ossis", a derogative term for those coming from the former East Germany, were frowned upon as being second-class citizens or worse, beggars just looking for a handout.
And the resentment of that stigma only intensified as rich West Germans started buying up land in the East, while its young people fled for a life of prosperity in the West.
And while Frau Merkel understood this, there's no way she could have prevented the widening divisions we're seeing in now.
At this point, the only thing certain is that this is the end of an era, but what stands before us is much less so.
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AKK is elected. Era goes on
In late 2016, I went through an emotional state which I would describe as anticipatory mourning, knowing that an era which - with all limitations - had been overall good would inevitably be coming to an end. This is very much an echo of that period.
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Marvelous photographic study. Have a sense of knowing Ms. Merkel.
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Her approach to politics is so refreshing--get the job done without grandstanding. Actually, she does know well how to put herself into the center of things and how to take on the arrogant guys obsessed with themselves and their power.
Here is a link to a fascinating article about her in the New Yorker and how she managed to rise to power, despite being dismissed and made fun of by the men in power. How she took on Helmut Kohl is well worth the read. https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2014/12/01/quiet-german
No need to read Sheryl Sandberg's self-serving book "Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead." Learn about and watch Angela Merkel in action.
15
A really great woman and politician,she will be missed.Someone so decent and humble.I really loved her.
14
Good God, what a woman! She will be thoroughly missed when the next big crunch comes, but as with Obama (and GHWB) she has set a bright example for others to follow.
And thanks to the NYT for pulling up that old picture with Putin and his menacing dog. I'd forgotten that little episode.
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Leaders lead. In good times and in bad. Through politically expedient decisions as well as controversial ones. Think of her whatever you want, but she has been the dominant force for good in Europe for so long that people forget how hard it is to govern successfully that way. Many people criticize her, but few people could come close to providing the leadership and political skill that she mustered in Germany, in Europe, and across the world. She will be missed, and her successor will be judged by her impressive performance over the years.
21
As with President Obama, she will be missed.
22
Thank God for Angela Merkel for accepting refugees , the right thing to do although not expedient politically.
30
It would appear that Germany can teach us quite a bit about government of the people, by the people, for the people. German voters would never tolerate brainless wonders like Trump holding high public office, or corporations telling them how to live their lives. And their respect for, and protection of, personal privacy in this modern internet age is far superior to ours.
I don't know if it's Germany's educational system, its proximity to so many other countries, or its history, rich (if that's the word) with examples of paths not to take. Whatever it is, I wish we could distill it into a drink and let every American have a cup.
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I have almost always been impressed by this woman - functioning in a complicated world of men and wielding power in her own unique way. Not many women would be able to handle the antics of other leaders like Putin and Trump with her style. She has long been a source of stability in Germany through many periods of upheaval. I think she will be missed. We can only hope for someone of equal strength and conviction to take her place.
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