Angela Merkel takes part in an exclusive conversation with Católica students
In a candid conversation, Germany’s former Chancellor spoke about the present and future of Europe, revealed how the six faces of a die played an important role in her decision-making, and even signed a Germany national football team shirt. She urged young people to “be courageous because we need your courage”.
Students from Universidade Católica Portuguesa had the exclusive opportunity to take part in a conversation with former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, during which she shared her views on the present and future of the European Union, as well as some of the most defining moments of her political career.
The session opened with remarks from Católica’s President, Isabel Capeloa Gil, who highlighted the former Chancellor’s importance in Europe’s recent history. “Angela Merkel represents a form of political leadership associated with responsibility, moderation, dialogue and determination in seeking common ground. Her leadership has often been characterised by patience, pragmatism and a deep sense of responsibility towards the common good,” said Isabel Capeloa Gil.
Recalling the award of an honorary doctorate to the German leader last year, the President described “a form of leadership rooted in values, freedom, democracy, the rule of law and human dignity”, stressing that these values “connect Angela Merkel to Universidade Católica, and connect her to Portugal”.
In her opening remarks, the former Chancellor warned of the importance of defending democracies, pointing to diplomacy and the strengthening of deterrence as essential tools for preventing war. “I often feel that not enough is being done in this area,” she said. “Democracy requires free media and an independent judiciary. Achieving all of this is not easy,” particularly in light of the growing prominence of artificial intelligence and the rise of disinformation, Angela Merkel noted. She also pointed out that “democracy is under considerable pressure because politicians often communicate in a different way”.
The unity of the European Union was another key theme in her remarks. “We have to be aware of what unites us, and there must be a willingness not to fall into nationalism,” she said.
Merkel then took questions from Católica students, who asked, among other things, about the greatest challenges she faced and the most difficult decisions she made as Chancellor, as well as what she might have done differently during her terms in office. Dealing with the 2008 financial crisis, deciding whether Greece should remain in the single currency, and navigating the pandemic, which required “radical decisions”, were among the most difficult periods, she acknowledged. She also admitted that she had not succeeded in “getting people excited about climate policy”.
Asked about her approach to decision-making and leadership, Merkel revealed that she kept a die on her desk, with one word on each of its six faces, which together formed the phrase “strength lies in keeping calm”. The message proved useful when making difficult decisions. “You do not always have to decide as quickly as people say you do. Many people criticised me, saying that I waited too long, and that I neither decided nor resolved things. However, I always tried to make the most of the time available to allow more time for reflection,” Angela Merkel explained. In her view, “finding the right moment to act is one of the most important qualities of a politician”.
Trump’s positions and their impact on the global economy, the European Union’s relationship with Eurosceptic parties, the possibility of associated member states such as Canada, the recent electoral successes of far-right parties in Germany, and the rise of populist parties were among the other topics addressed by the former Chancellor.
“If we live in a world where there is only black or white, very few people will be right. We have to be willing to live with all the colours. That is the most difficult part, because we have our own bubble and are convinced that we are the ones who are right. We are increasingly less willing to talk to someone who holds a different opinion,” she stressed.
And what role do young people have to play in Europe today? What expectations are placed on the younger generation? “There are major challenges,” Merkel replied, pointing to “the new media landscape, how to stay informed, how to distinguish between lies and facts, and how to cope with a diversity of opinions”. “I believe that we will only be able to preserve democracy in our countries if the younger generation fights for democracy. That also means standing up for freedom of expression and the rights of minorities. This is something that seems to be a difficult task for some people today,” she added.
Speaking about being a woman in politics, the German leader said that “it was a disadvantage”. “Many women did not vote for me because they felt that I did not fit the image of a strong Chancellor,” she said, recalling that she had to learn how to handle situations in which men attempted to assert themselves over her. There are still “too few women in positions of power”, she lamented, urging women to “come together and build interest groups”.
In closing, Angela Merkel also shared a special message with the students: “I wish you every success in your studies. You are all very much needed by our societies. You are the future. Be courageous because we need your courage.”
There was also time for a lighter moment, when Merkel fulfilled the request of one of the students in attendance and signed a Germany national football team shirt.