The renowned business magazine "The Economist" condemns Angela Merkel's 16-year chancellorship as the reason why Germany has once again become the "sick man of Europe." Even before the publication of her memoirs "Freedom. Memories 1954–2021," the magazine delivers a harsh verdict on the former chancellor.
The "Charlemagne" column criticizes that Merkel's tenure was marked by a lack of reforms, leading to chronically inadequate public sector investment. These shortcomings have weakened Germany economically and burdened the European Union. It particularly highlights Germany's geopolitical dependency on the USA, the Chinese export market, and Russian gas. "Germany is unable to defend itself without the USA," the article states, while the lack of export diversification to China and dependency on Russian gas threaten the industry.
However, "The Economist" accuses Merkel of having facilitated the erosion of democracy in countries like Hungary by failing to criticize Viktor Orbán. Orbán's support was described as "out of convenience," which promoted autocratization in the EU. The refugee policy of 2015 is also criticized: Although the reception of refugees was considered "commendable," it led to a political backlash that facilitated the rise of the extreme right in Germany and beyond.
The article also highlights that Merkel's approach to "Merkel" crises – that is, to wait and see – often led to months of inactivity. This strategy has brought Germany into economic and geopolitical difficulties that now need to be resolved. "Mrs. Merkel led Germany as if in an illusionary world and put it into a long geopolitical and economic slumber from which it must now awaken," reads the final assessment.
