The Secret of Angela Merkel's Extraordinary Success

Introduction

Angela Merkel served as German Chancellor for sixteen years and ended her term with high popularity.
Merkel's success is attributed to her understanding of German political dynamics.

Merkel maintained high leadership capital throughout her career, a rare occurrence for long-serving leaders.
Faced major crises:
- Eurozone crisis (2010-2013)
- Refugee crisis (2015-2017)
- Covid-19 pandemic
Financial crisis and the pandemic bolstered her success; only the refugee crisis had adverse effects.

Merkel's leadership capital was historically high at the end of her tenure.
Helmut Kohl ended with a 42% approval rating, whereas Merkel's was significantly higher.

Merkel's leadership style lacked political vision and communicative performance, seen as minor in German politics.
German culture values meritocracy, reasoned and fact-based political approaches over charismatic leadership.
Popularity within German politics is less crucial than securing votes during elections.
Constructive vote of no confidence in Germany: no rival candidate could rally a majority against Merkel for 16 years.
High public trust in Merkel due to perceived competence, care, and trustworthiness.

Merkel's leadership involved shaping party platforms and maintaining parliamentary effectiveness.
She nurtured party allies and forged personal connections, often outmaneuvering challengers.
Her political strategies were viewed as Machiavellian but effective.
Merkel avoided devious tactics; she removed herself from leadership discussions to focus on her role as Chancellor.

Merkel combined principle and pragmatism, carving out compromises and making U-turns when necessary.
Examples include policy changes on nuclear energy, refugees, and EU loans.
Maintained unpopular positions when convinced of their correctness, e.g., Covid-19 restrictions.
Known for "disappointing her own people at a rate they can absorb."