Today, 22th November, a fundamental date occurs in the political history of Germany: exactly 19 years ago, in 2005, Angela Merkel was elected Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany. First woman to lead German government, his election did not only represent a personal achievement, but also marked a new national and international phase for Germany, inaugurating a period of stability and progress.
Leader of the CDU (The Christian Democratic Union, in German Christian Democratic Union of Germany), Merkel led Germany out of the financial crisis and consolidated its role as an economic and political pillar in the European Union. During its sixteen years of chancellorship, has faced several challenges demonstrating extraordinary emergency management capabilities and earning a reputation for stability and pragmatism.
Angela Merkel has not only broken the glass ceiling in German politics, but has left a deep and indelible legacy, both in Germany and internationally, becoming a symbol of modern and far-sighted leadership. After retiring from politics in 2021, Angela Merkel will present in the next few days his autobiography True Financial Freedom, which will be available in bookstores starting November 26, published by Rizzoli. In the book, Merkel rhe goes through his life again, from the years spent in East Germany to her rise to the leadership of the CDU, recounting her extraordinary career and the path that led her to become one of the most influential political figures in the world.
The Beginnings: A Young Promise of German Politics
Angela Merkel was born in Hamburg on 17 July 1954. As a young woman she moves to East Germany, where she undertakes scientific studies that will lead her to graduate in physics. The Fall of the Berlin Wall marks his entry into politics: in 1990 joins the CDU and was appointed Minister for Women and Youth in the government of Helmut Kohl. Far from stereotypes, Merkel builds her career on competence and pragmatism. After criticizing her own mentor, Kohl, during a financial scandal, she wins the party leadership in 2000, paving the way for her future chancellorship.
November 22, 2005, Angela Merkel becomes the first female chancellor
Le German federal elections 2005, held on September 18, were called following a motion by distrust orchestrated by the chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, which was intended to provoke a early voting because of the difficulties of his coalitionThe result was extremely uncertain: the CDU/CSU, led by Angela Merkel, won by a very narrow margin, obtaining 35,3% of the votes against 34,2% for Schröder's SPD (the Social Democratic Party).
Despite expectations of a clear victory for the Christian Democrats, the election campaign was marked by internal divisions and gaffes, which reduced the CDU/CSU's lead. In the end, no party obtained a sufficient majority to govern, and the result was a Fragmented Parliament which forced CDU and SPD to form a “grand coalition”.
After weeks of negotiations, on November 22, 2005, the November 22, 2005 Angela Merkel is elected Chancellor, becoming the first woman to hold this role in Germany.
In her first term, Merkel focuses on Economic reforms to overcome German stagnation. Among these, the revision of the social security system and the labor market, with the aim of reducing unemployment and relaunching competitiveness. On the public finances front, the government introduces austerity measures such as the increase in VAT and the reduction of some subsidies.
In foreign policy, Merkel establishes strong relationships with European and global partners. Her first official trip takes her to Paris, Brussels and London, underlining the importance of theFranco-German alliance and the central role of Germany in the European Union. She addresses sensitive issues, such as tensions with Russia and the relationship with China, demonstrating a balanced diplomatic approach. Merkel asserts herself as pragmatic and determined leaderHis first term laid the foundation for a leadership that would shape Germany for the next sixteen years, marking an era of political and economic stability.
Subsequent mandates: an unprecedented leadership
Angela Merkel has led Germany for four consecutive terms, leaving an indelible mark on the country's politics and the international scene. The his leadership It has been characterised by a balanced management of global crises and by Germany's central role in the European Union and on the world stage.
During her first years as chancellor, Merkel has faced complex challenges such as the refugee crisis, tensions with Russia, the war in Iraq and instability in the Balkans. With a pragmatic approach and an extraordinary capacity for mediation, has managed to maintain a delicate balance between European and US interests, consolidating Germany's position as a key player in global decisions.
Merkel has distinguished herself as mediator in Europe, working to strengthen the continent's economic stability and defending the euro from irresponsible fiscal policies. Her most notable successes include managing the 2008 financial crisis and the 2015-2016 migration crisis, when Germany took in over 1,2 million refugees. This commitment also earned her the Nansen Refugee Prize in 2022.
Re-elected in 2009, 2013 and 2017, continued to promote the energy transition and strengthen Germany's role as a pillar of the European economy. Thanks to her pragmatism and negotiating skills, Merkel was recognized as one of the most influential political figures in the world, occupying the top of the Forbes list of the most powerful women for over a decade.
The fourth term and the farewell to politics:
Angela Merkel was elected for the fourth consecutive term in 2017, with a drop in consensus for the CDU compared to the previous elections. In 2018, she announced that will not run for a fifth term nor for the presidency of the party, marking the his withdrawal from active politics. After the 2021 elections, Olaf Scholz succeeds Merkel as chancellor on December 8, ending her 16-year leadership.
During her last term, Merkel signed the Treaty of Aachen with Emmanuel Macron, advocating a more integrated Europe, including initiatives such as a European army. In 2023, he received the Grand Cross of the German Order of Merit, an honor reserved for prominent figures such as Adenauer and Kohl. Retired from public life, Merkel has expressed interest in one of her own return to academic career.
Post-Merkel: A Germany in Crisis
After Merkel's withdrawal from the political scene, Germany entered a crisis. The leadership of Olaf Scholz fails to repeat the success of the outgoing chancellor. The country is entered recession for the second consecutive year, with GDP recording a decline of 0,3% in 2023 and 0,2% in 2024. The energy crisis, dependence on exports and the decline of the automotive sector are exacerbating the situation.
On the political level, Scholz struggles to keep government coalition together and approaches the early elections in February 2025. The growing distrust towards the ruling class reflects an identity and structural crisis that could have repercussions on the entire Eurozone.
