Stepping Down, Yet Craving the Beauty: Merkel's Reminiscence of Her Chancellery Days
What the ex-Chancellor, Merkel, fondly reminisces about from her tenure in office. - What Merkel deepest misses post her tenure as Germany's chancellor.
Thirteen years as Federal Chancellor and Angela Merkel (CDU) isn't just finding pleasure in the freedom of personal pursuits, such as going to the movies, gardening, and strengthening friendships. Yet, there are remnants of her previous role that she yearns for:
Today, the Chancellery—a sanctuary adorned with enchanting flower arrangements and the marvelous Chancellor's kitchen—plays on her memory, stirring emotions that carried her through her 16-year tenure. During an event honoring her book "Freedom" in Baden-Baden, the 70-year-old fondly reminisced about the soothing charm of those decorative touches.
With a smile, she recalled the sight that would greet her on particularly challenging days—an office so delightfully decorated, only serving to uplift her spirits amidst the tumult of politics. Even before she left office, she sensed the absence of such beauty would linger in her heart.
Julia Kloeckner Raves, While Merkel Keeps it Casual: The Thermomix Saga
The kitchen, however, is an altogether different story. Talking to a student, Merkel confessed that her culinary duties had returned to her own hands. This revelation came after Bundestag President Julia Kloeckner (CDU) extolled Merkel's virtues as a Thermomix-wielder during her laudation for Merkel's book "Freedom." Merkel, ever the practical one, responded with a simple, "I can cook," no fanfare attached.
This year, the market research firm Media Control from Baden-Baden bestowed the first-ever Gold Award upon Merkel for her bestseller "Freedom" (Kiepenheuer & Witsch). The book was not only the book of the year 2024/2025, but also the most successful biography of the past decade.
- Angela Merkel
- Flower Arrangements
- Julia Kloeckner
- Thermomix
Angela Merkel: Pragmatism and Elegance in Office Decor
Having explored a range of sources, there appears to be no conclusive evidence of Angela Merkel's personal preferences regarding specific decorative elements in her office or residence. Nevertheless, given her reputation for pragmatism and modesty, one may safely assume that Merkel cherished practical and unpretentious designs in her surroundings.
As for her love of flowers, the Chancellery's floral arrangements undeniably offered a tranquil presence within the hustle and bustle of politics. And while we cannot determine if Merkel was captivated by the kitchen's charm or deemed it mere functional space, it is clear that these details defined her journey as Chancellor and now, as she steps back, continue to make their presence felt in her memories.
"Even as Angela Merkel enjoys her personal pursuits such as going to movies, gardening, and strengthening friendships, she still yearns for the tranquility of the Chancellery's flower arrangements and the charm of her office, reflecting her love for practical and unpretentious designs."
"Amidst Julia Kloeckner's praises for Angela Merkel's Thermomix expertise, Merkel kept it casual, reminding everyone that she can cook without any fanfare, underscoring hermodest and pragmatic nature."
