Angela Merkel’s memoir ‘Freedom’ hits shelves this November

The memoirs of former German Chancellor Angela Merkel are set to be released in November, nearly three years after she concluded her 16-year leadership of one of Europe’s major powers.

Publisher Kiepenheuer & Witsch announced on Monday that the approximately 700-page book, titled “Freiheit” (“Freedom”), will be available on November 26. Merkel co-authored the memoir with her longtime assistant and adviser, Beate Baumann.

Merkel, a former scientist raised in communist East Germany, made history as Germany’s first female chancellor on November 22, 2005. During her tenure, the 69-year-old navigated Germany through multiple crises, including the global financial crisis, Europe’s debt and migration crises, and the coronavirus pandemic.

In a statement from the publisher, Merkel said, “For me, freedom is about never stopping learning, not having to stand still but being able to continue forward, even after leaving politics.” The publisher noted that the book will be released “worldwide in over 30 countries,” though further details were not provided.

Since stepping down in December 2021, Merkel has maintained a low profile, staying out of political affairs and avoiding events related to her center-right party, the Christian Democratic Union.

Merkel was named “The World’s Most Powerful Woman” by Forbes magazine for ten consecutive years and was regarded as a staunch advocate of liberal values in the West and a role model for girls.

However, her legacy has faced criticism, particularly regarding her policies on Ukraine and Russia. Merkel has defended her actions, stating that the much-criticized 2015 peace deal for eastern Ukraine bought Kyiv valuable time, and she stands by her diplomatic efforts. She has also justified her government’s decisions to purchase large amounts of natural gas from Russia, despite Russia cutting off supplies in 2022.