Angela Merkel is stepping down as German Chancellor after 16 years.
There was an article on Sinchiew Daily's Business Section on 21st October 2021 (page 8).
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| Read more on Merkel on Wikipedia |
There are 7 famous quotes that spoke the truth of our word today:
1. The question is not whether we are to change but whether we are changing fast enough.
- Before becoming Chancellor in 2005, Merkel was sure that the Germans were able to change, learn, adapt, and progress. Those who thing otherwise were wrong.
2. You could certainly say that I've never underestimated myself. There is nothing wrong with being ambitious.
- During an interview with Time in 2010 (after 5 years as Chancellor), she brushed off doubts about her ability and credibility. The fact that she managed to bring Germany out of the financial crisis was proof that her election as chancellor was no fluke.
3. When it comes to human dignity, we cannot make compromise.
- During the Arab spring in 2010, Germany accepted the most refugees. Although there were disadvantages, displeasures and challenges, Merkel showed support and care for human rights.
4. Freedom does not mean being free of something, but to be free to do something.
- Merkel grew out in Communist East Germany, where freedom was almost unknown. Safeguarding freedom was one of the objectives as a politician.
5. Always be more than you appear and never appear to be more than you are.
- Probably one of the most famous quotes from Merkel, this quote reflects her career and personality as a whole. When she was chosen as Time's Person of the Year in 2015, she said that a German sees politics as a skill and not merely about showmanship. Merkel's demeanor and practicality was what the people desired.
6. So, one has to try to find compromises with mutual respect, but also with a clear opinion. That's politics - always looking to find a common way forward.
Financial Times compared Trump and Merkel's personalities, and both could not be more different. Merkel was open and free while Trump was racist and inward looking. Still, Merkel refrained from a confrontation policy but tried her best to seek common grounds. This met her political objective.
7. The fact that people seem to no longer wish to talk to one another... that is something that fills me with grave concern.
- During World Economic Forum in 2020, Merkel explained that unlike the cold war period, the current international community lacks communication. If we only engage with one another who shares the same views and values, disaster may happen. For the past 16 years, Merkel has been a proponent for a united Europe. She has been dubbed as the leader of the free world.
What a leader and person Angela Merkel is. We could learn so much from her.
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