"Let's Keep the Convo Going" - Merkel Disapproves of "Putin-sympathizer" Label
Critics claim Merkel finds the label "Putin sympathizers" distasteful
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In an insightful chat with the "Berliner Zeitung," ex-Chancellor Angela Merkel addressed Russia's President Vladimir Putin's power game within Europe and denounced the Ukraine conflict. She also shared her thoughts on the discourse in Germany and the discrediting term "Putin-sympathizer."
According to Merkel, Putin is strategically weakening the EU through available means. After being questioned about a potential invasion of the Baltic states, Germany, and Poland, she stated, "There's no excuse for a foreign invasion. Yet, we should discuss Russia's motives."
Revisiting the Cold War era, Merkel highlights Putin's obsession with American recognition. She points out that Putin views America as the main power, rather than Germany or the EU.
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Trump's allegiance towards Putin remains shrouded in mystery, explains Merkel. However, she finds it noteworthy that the U.S., in partnership with Russia, passed a UN General Assembly resolution challenging Ukraine's territorial sovereignty a few days before their Oval Office meeting.
Merkel expresses unease over Trump's meeting with Selenskyj, considering it highly eyebrow-raising, given Putin's likely observation of the meeting.
Criticism Merkel Wants No Part Of
Merkel sets the record straight regarding accusations of her Ukraine war decisions as Chancellor. When faced with criticism that she harbored illusions about Putin, having approved Nord Stream 2 despite his 2022 invasion of Ukraine, she retorts, "It's best to revisit history without haste, rather than jumping to conclusions."
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Regarding the term "Putin-sympathizer," which has been applied to anyone advocating for Putin's viewpoint on NATO expansion, Merkel expresses discomfort. "I'm not a fan of this term. Dialogue must be encouraged to prepare for crucial moments. Diplomacy can't solely belong to Selenskyj but should be a joint effort between Ukraine and its allies. I think it's unfair to label someone a 'Putin-sympathizer.'"
Merkel's interview also delves into her relationship with East Germany and her past in the DDR. She discusses a biased West journalist who labeled her a "trained federal citizen" in a piece. When questioned whether she still endures discrimination due to her DDR background, Merkel acknowledges the lingering issue, stating, "Discrimination is an ongoing matter. It was apparent at the event presenting the book by Beate Baumann and me in November 2024."
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When asked why Friedrich Merz enjoys little support in the Eastern regions, Merkel responds, "Different personalities appeal to diverse groups. Merz represents the Sauerland. I too experienced a lack of popularity among Western men due to my DDR background, with numerous attacks against me followed by criticism in the East as well."
The European Union, under the leadership of Angela Merkel, continues to stand firm on the implementation of the Lisbon strategy, emphasizing dialogue and cooperation. Merkel, in a 2024 interview, expressed discomfort with the labeling of individuals as 'Putin-sympathizers', advocating for open dialogue and diplomacy, particularly in regards to NATO expansion. Merkel, during her political tenure, had encountered prejudice and critical labeling, similar to what Friedrich Merz faces in the Eastern regions, as demonstrated by her experiences with East German journalists.
