Angela Merkel labels Vladimir Putin a pathological liar in new memoir

Angela Merkel, the former chancellor of Germany, released her memoir three years after leaving office, during which she has largely remained quiet about her political legacy. In a unique media campaign, she granted interview slots to various celebrity interviewers, allowing her to share insights into her tenure. A key point in the memoir revolves around her complex relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom she describes as a 'pathological liar'. Despite acknowledging his ill intentions and detrimental behavior, Merkel held firm to her belief that maintaining economic ties—highlighted by the Nord Stream gas pipelines—would lead to better behavior from Russia, indicating a significant flaw in her diplomatic approach. This has sparked criticism as observers wonder why she clung to this belief despite a clear shift in Russia's stance over two decades from openness to hostility toward the West. Merkel’s memoir has drawn mixed reactions, with some praising her reflection on Germany’s successful integration of refugees, while others note the lack of depth in analyzing her cooperation with Russia. Her style has been criticized for seeming ghostwritten, lacking emotion and drive, which some believe does not do justice to the weight of the political decisions she faced during critical global shifts, including the rise of populism in Europe and the uncertainty during the transitions of leadership in the U.S. Overall, the memoir serves as a revealing look into her journey from a scientist in communist East Germany to a pivotal leader in Europe, navigating some of the continent's most trying political times.