Angela Merkel, the former German chancellor, has candidly shared her reflections on Brexit, calling it both a "humiliation" and "disgrace" for the European Union. Her thoughts, published in her upcoming autobiography titled Freedom, reveal the emotional toll Brexit took not just on the UK but on the European bloc as well, highlighting the tectonic shifts this historic vote created on the global stage.
Merkel, who served as chancellor from 2005 to 2021, expressed her dismay at the UK’s decision to leave the EU, stating, "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 sentiment encapsulates the deep sense of loss felt by many EU leaders at the time. She argued the exit fundamentally altered how the EU was perceived worldwide, noting, "This changed the European Union in the view of the world; we were weakened."
Throughout her tenure, she made significant efforts to support then-Prime Minister David Cameron's attempts to keep Britain within the EU. She stood by him during high-stakes negotiations, even at the risk of becoming isolated from her fellow EU leaders. She recalled her steadfast support during an EU summit in February 2016, recounting, "During the summit, I steadfastly remained by David Cameron's side for an entire evening. This helped prevent his complete isolation." So, what made Merkel care so deeply? Her belief was rooted in the consequences Brexit would bring not just to Britain but to the general political climate of Europe.
Looking back, Merkel traces the origins of Brexit to 2005, when Cameron made the controversial decision to pull Conservative MEPs from the European People's Party due to its pro-EU stance. This pivotal moment indicated the beginning of the rift between the UK and the European project. Merkel sheds light on the internal political pressures facing Cameron, stating, "He himself was in favour of remaining, but he was attempting to gain the votes of the sceptics." The pressure mounted as Eurosceptic sentiments began to gain ground among the British public, and much of the narrative was shaped by Cameron’s rival, Boris Johnson.
Johnson's entry onto the scene proved to be especially consequential. Merkel notes his role as one of the main drivers behind the Brexit campaign, stating, "Boris Johnson, one of his most influential competitors, decided, against Cameron's hope, to support the UK's exit from the EU." This switch upended much of Cameron's strategy and gave new momentum to the Leave campaign.
Despite her efforts, Merkel has reflected on whether there was more she could have done to prevent the departure. "After the referendum, I was tormented by whether I should have made even more concessions toward the UK to make it possible for them to remain in the community," she wrote. Yet, she eventually concluded, "...in the face of the political developments taking place at the time within the country, there wouldn’t have been any reasonable way of preventing the UK's path out of the EU as an outsider." This reflection captures the anxiety of leaders who are often bedfellows with unpredictable political currents.
Merkel’s memories of Brexit are tinged with what-ifs—considerations of concessions she could’ve made or negotiations she could have pursued. She acknowledged the political realities weighing heavily during the times of negotiation, admitting, "Even with the best political will, mistakes of the past could not be undone." Her contemplation highlights the often tumultuous relationship between national pride and the compromises required amid international negotiations.
While Merkel’s memoir delves deep, dedicates around five pages to the topic of Brexit, it also emphasizes the importance of preserving relationships post-Brexit. Merkel expresses hope for "mutual appreciation" and the potential for achieving harmonious agreements on divergent issues moving forward. This hope suggests she believes the aftermath of Brexit should not be characterized solely by discord but also by constructive dialogue.
While the disastrous fallout of Brexit continues to be felt and debated, Merkel's insights reveal the duality of political landscapes—where alliances are formed but also where deep frustrations can fester. Her revelations may add layers to the already complex narrative surrounding Brexit, but they also provide much-needed personal reflection from one of Europe’s most established leaders during this tumultuous time.
The sentiments articulated by Merkel resonate not just within the corridors of power but also among regular citizens, who often grapple with big decisions and their long-term repercussions. There’s irony; the choice to leave the EU was marketed as regaining control for the UK, yet Merkel argues it set the bloc on shaky ground.
Given the divisive climate of political discourse, both within the UK and the broader European community, her reflections can serve as cautionary tales—warnings of how ambitious political maneuvering can lead to unintended consequences.
Angela Merkel, often seen as the steady hand of Europe, now reflects on her legacy against the backdrop of Brexit—a legacy complicated by choices made, political rivalries to navigate, and the overarching necessity of unity during fraught times. The path was laden with pitfalls and miscalculations, and her insights remind us of the delicate balance leaders must maintain between ambition and diplomacy on the global stage.
Whether viewed through the lens of regret or of necessary evolution, Merkel’s thoughts on Brexit offer important reflections on the challenges of cooperative governance and the responsibilities of leaders. At its core, her narrative unveils not just the machinations of political decisions but also the deeply personal struggles of convincing oneself and others of the right course of action amid complex geopolitical shifts.
