Ex-Chancellor Merkel Gifted Highest German Honor

Facts

• Former Chancellor Angela Merkel was decorated with Germany’s highest possible honor on Monday in recognition of her near-record 16 years at the helm of the country.¹
• German Pres. Frank Walter Steinmeier bestowed the Grand Cross of the Order and Merit for special achievement upon Merkel, who joined Konrad Adenauer and Helmut Kohl as the only recipients of the award.²
• Steinmeier, Merkel’s former vice chancellor and foreign minister, praised Merkel as an “unprecedented politician” who successfully steered Germany through difficult times, including the 2008 global financial collapse and the 2015 refugee emergency.³
• However, senior members of Merkel’s party, the Christian Democrats, suggested that she wasn’t a worthy recipient with deputy leader Carsten Linnemann citing “grievous errors” during her tenure. Some also criticized her government's energy policy as it saw the import of large quantities of gas from Russia.⁴
• Merkel has staunchly defended her diplomatic efforts, saying that a much-criticized 2015 peace deal for eastern Ukraine bought Kyiv precious time. She has also tried to maintain a low public image since stepping down in 2021.⁵

Sources: ¹Associated Press, ²Guardian, ³Politico, ⁴The telegraph and ⁵Abc news.

Narratives

• Narrative A, as provided by New statesman. Angela Merkel’s legacy will forever be tarnished by her doctrine of passivity towards Vladimir Putin and Russia. While Merkel was able to accomplish some great feats as chancellor, and she led Germany through a volatile time, her leadership tenure contributed to Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. Not only did she enable this act, but she also continues to take responsibility. Between Ukraine and the 2015 immigration crisis, Merkel’s legacy cannot recover.
• Narrative B, as provided by The my hero project. Despite the incredible difficulties Angela Merkel had to navigate, she always managed to stay rooted in her core values and push Germany forward. Angela Merkel transcended all stereotypes and became an unprecedented leader, and framed Germany prominently within the Atlantic Alliance and global institutions. She helped Germany overcome geopolitical and economic hardships while staying humble and charitable. Some may nitpick Merkel’s shortcomings, but she is a hero.