Angela Merkel, the former Chancellor of Germany, has opened up about the emotional toll Brexit took on her, calling it not just a personal disappointment but also a "humiliation" for the European Union. This candid admission is part of excerpts from her upcoming autobiography, titled Freedom, where she reflects on her efforts to help the UK navigate its turbulent relationship with the EU, particularly during the tenure of Prime Minister David Cameron.
When the Brexit referendum took place on June 23, 2016, 52% of Britons voted to leave the European Union, igniting significant debates and concerns across the continent. Merkel expressed her feelings about the outcome sharply: "To me, the result felt like a humiliation, a disgrace for us, the other members of the European Union—the United Kingdom was leaving us in the lurch. This changed the European Union in the view of the world; we were weakened."
Reflecting on the origins of the Brexit crisis, Merkel traced back to 2005 when Cameron initiated his campaign for the Conservative Party's leadership, choosing to distance himself from the European People’s Party, citing its pro-EU stance as detrimental to the UK's interests. This strategic choice marked the beginning of the rocky path toward Brexit, culminating in the decision to call the referendum.
Throughout her time as Chancellor, Merkel continuously tried to support Cameron to keep Britain anchored within the EU. She recalls, “I tried wherever possible to help David Cameron,” especially during the negotiations surrounding the EU's financial perspectives for 2014-2020. During one pivotal summit, Merkel fought to keep Cameron from being entirely isolated among EU leaders, remarking, "My support rendered me an outsider with my other colleagues. I was being repeatedly accused of stinginess...and yet, during the summit, I steadfastly remained by David Cameron’s side for an entire evening."
Despite her many efforts, Merkel faced numerous hurdles. The core issues concerning freedom of movement and trade were like mountains for Cameron as he staunchly defended his policies amid rising Euroscepticism within the UK. Merkel's frustration stemmed from the observation of what she called the UK’s failure to impose restrictions on workers from Eastern Europe after the 2004 expansion of the EU. This lapse allowed Eurosceptics to position freedom of movement negatively, adding fuel to the fire for the leave campaign.
Years later, as Brexit became inevitable, Merkel’s reflections grew more somber. She grappled with the idea of whether she could have done more to avert the outcome. “After the referendum, I was tormented by whether I should have made even more concessions toward the UK,” she wrote, stating her realization was bittersweet: “Even with the best political will, mistakes of the past could not be undone.”
The fallout of Brexit encapsulated not just political strategies but emotional burdens as well. Merkel’s insights reveal how personal relationships and diplomatic dealings often weigh heavily on leaders. She painted the picture of trying to keep unity not just for the sake of politics but for the belief and vision of Europe as a collective entity born out of past conflicts—the ideals envisioned by historical figures like Winston Churchill.
Cameron's struggle with his own party's factions, which eventually propelled Boris Johnson, one of his fiercest rivals, to lead the charge for the leave campaign, deeply frustrated Merkel. She observed the role Johnson played and noted, “This gave the EU opponents’ campaign the decisive boost. They prevailed.” It underscored the often-unpredictable nature of political alliances and rivalries, especially seen through the lens of international relations.
Brexit fundamentally altered the EU's dynamics. Merkel’s reminiscences highlight her vision for the UK’s integral role within the EU, emphasizing the changes it brought to how the union would be perceived globally: “This changed the European Union...we were weakened.” The departures of member nations have historically been associated with instability, and the uncertainty of Brexit intensified fears of shifts within the Union.
These revelations, set to be shared publicly with the release of her memoir, shed light on Merkel's approach as one of compassion and concern, juxtaposed with the hard-edged realities of political maneuvering. Her intentions to assist Cameron, to maintain stability and unity within Europe, echo as important lessons for current and future political leaders across the globe.
Merkel's reflections leave readers pondering the role of national pride versus collective mutual interest and how fragile political landscapes can dictate choices. It's not just about government policies and treaties but about the human side of governance where relationships, trust, and historical perspectives intermingle.
With the rise of new nationalistic sentiments and the consequences thereof as illustrated by Brexit, Merkel’s observations serve as both warnings and insights; as leaders attempt to navigate through shifting political sands, the lessons from her experiences may resonate far and wide, illuminating the relevance of every decision made on the world stage.
Her book promises to detail more than just political anecdotes—it explores emotional turmoil, personal convictions, and the struggle to uphold the vision of Europe she strongly believed to be indispensable, especially during times of uncertainty. Amid the discourse on nationalism and cooperation, Merkel provides invaluable input on the emotional cost of political decisions, leaving us to reflect on the importance of unity and the continuous dialogue necessary for peace.
