Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel is set to release her memoirs titled Freedom: Memories 1954-2021 in November 2024. The 700-page book, crafted alongside her long-time political adviser Beate Baumann, explores Merkel's experiences growing up in East Germany, her ascent in politics following the collapse of the communist regime, and her 16 years leading Germany.
In the memoir, Merkel reflects on her understanding of freedom and shares insights from pivotal moments and interactions during her tenure, including significant national, European, and international events. Scheduled for release globally on November 26, just ahead of the holiday season, the book's hardback edition will be priced at £35 or €42. The German audiobook will be narrated by actor Corinna Harfouch.
Merkel, who retired from politics in December 2021, leaving office to Olaf Scholz, has faced criticism for her policies towards Russia and China, especially in light of her support for the Nord Stream gas pipeline project amidst geopolitical tensions. Despite these controversies, her memoir does not appear to offer apologies but instead provides a recount of her legacy and the ideological shifts within her party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), under the leadership of Friedrich Merz.
Her post-chancellery years have largely been spent away from the public eye, focusing on writing this memoir. Merkel’s narrative also touches on contentious topics like her decision to keep Germany’s borders open during the 2015-16 refugee crisis, a move that has polarized opinion within her own party and contributed to the rise of the far-right AfD party.