On October 26th local time, German Chancellor Merkel officially stepped down. After German President Steinmeier handed over her term end notice, the "Iron Lady" who has been in charge of German politics and has been in Europe for 16 years finally ended her political career.
At the ceremony, Steinmeier praised Merkel, saying that she created "one of the greatest periods in German history". Merkel's rule defined Germany's image in the world and also defined the image of a generation of young Germans. Germany changed from a "dangerous element" to a "responsible" country.
The German president has a high evaluation of Merkel, but is very pertinent. In fact, the outside world also has a lot of praise for Merkel. On October 13, when a video call with Merkel, the Chinese leader highly praised her contribution to the development of China-Germany and China-Europe relations, and made a promise with a smile that "you are an old friend of the Chinese people, and China's door is open to you at any time."
Merkel's friendly attitude towards China is one of the highlights of his political career. As early as 1997, she visited China for the first time as the Minister of Environment. After being elected Prime Minister in 2005, the relationship between the two countries has changed from being "strange" to an old friend. Inter-country exchanges affect the whole body, so there have been twists and turns in China-Germany relations.
But Merkel is good at learning and knows how to adapt. Especially around 2008, Merkel took the initiative to release his goodwill and wished the Beijing Olympics a success and China-Germany relations would break the ice. In 2014, the two sides became a comprehensive strategic partnership.
From then on, the German government led by Merkel became an "outlier", actively breaking the regional and cultural differences between the East and the East, and becoming a buffer between China and the United States.
She played a huge role in working together to deal with the climate crisis and promote China-EU Investment Agreement . Merkel is very clear that in today's world, China's role cannot be ignored. How to deal with this emerging power is a lesson that the West must learn. Sincerity is the primary priority. It is definitely not advisable to blindly reject and suppress such as the United States.
Merkel's cleverness is not only reflected in her friendliness to China, but also in her courage to oppose the United States and strive for national interests. Compared with France, which is straightforward and does not hide its ambition at all, but is not strong enough. Germany is much more sleek in its relations with the United States. For example, on energy issues, Germany will choose to cooperate with the "old rival" Russia, and glar at the "big brother" the United States.
Energy issues concern German industry and national security. In the process of promoting Nord Stream 2, Merkel has always maintained a unified step with Russia. faces obstruction from the United States, not only dares to fight back, but also is determined to compete to the end. In the end, even Biden was shocked by Merkel's determination and was unwilling to offend the old man in Germany, so he turned a blind eye to Nord Stream 2.
In addition to being at ease between China and the United States, Germany has also established its dominant position in Europe. The reason lies in a clear understanding of one's own strengths and weaknesses.
Germany is established by commerce and trade, with strong industrial strength, but weak military strength. Therefore, vigorously develop managers and export large amounts of their industrial products to the world. It has driven the development of the entire Europe with its own strength. Only with money can you have the right to speak. In the Merkel era, in addition to strengthening economy and trade, it also gradually exerted its influence in politics. Although her refugee policy has been questioned, her reflection, alertness and attitude towards World War II and her active admitting mistakes are still worth learning from in some countries.
It can be said that during the 16 years of Merkel's administration, Germany's economic development, its political influence has been enhanced, and its achievements have been outstanding. , to outsiders, can be called a success, but for Merkel, it still leaves a regret that can never be erased.
Just one day before leaving office, Merkel disclosed her biggest regret for the first time. That was that Germany neglected the protection of nursing homes last winter and made the biggest mistake since the epidemic. caused 30,000 people to die from virus infection in nursing homes and nursing homes. It happened to be the Christmas season, and it was also the most difficult time for Germany to fight the epidemic.
Very few leaders like her take the initiative to admit their failures, and this human touch and feminine traits make Merkel's image as a leader fuller. "Photo" said that although the mistake must be alert, it also shows that the outgoing prime minister is a great person.
It is the luck of Germany, Europe and the whole world to have such a politician. Even though she has left, her policies and ideas are still influencing future generations. At present, SPD Prime Minister candidate Schultz is getting closer to the throne of the new prime minister, but he still cannot break away from Merkel's friendly to China and maintain a relatively independent approach to the United States.
The Germans saw Merkel's achievements and the benefits her policies brought to Germany. No political party will force German companies to withdraw from China today. The business community’s desire is that the next government has a clearer line in its policy toward China.
Merkel is always frank and straightforward, and will never greet China with a smile, but will turn against you when you return to Germany. The double-standard attitude like the leaders of the United States, Britain and Australia is invisible to Merkel. Perhaps this is why she is loved by the Chinese people and is also the best teaching by example to the next German government.
