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For Mr. President’s Eyes Only

CIA Berlin Station Chief

Grace Emmenegger-Conrad

12.12.2018
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Economic Concerns:

Germany is currently the wealthiest country in Europe, and one of the wealthiest

countries in the world. In fact, it is the most economically and politically influential member of

the European Union. Germany’s robust economy; however, poses a threat to the other nations

who make up the European Union. Prior to this, there was the 2008 Financial Crisis: the most

devastating economic disaster after the Great Depression. Through this, Germany was given an

opportunity to rise in rank—surpassing countries whose economies had begun to fall.

Succeeding this depression, Germany rose as one of the most powerful countries due to their

abundant wealth and stable economy. As one of the most frequent sites of trade and exportation,

Germany has a large surplus due to the economic power move of selling more than they

purchase. In addition, Germany spends little to no money on defense—and yet Angela Merkel

speaks out for an army.

Power in Europe:

With Germany’s robust wealth comes great power. The many organizations in which the

EU is formed, ensure the equal spread of power among nations. However, in reality, this is not

the case. In addition to Germany’s thriving economy, Germany is also the most populated

country in the EU. The population only strengthens Germany and increases its power. In fact, the

question: “Does Germany have too much power?” is frequently asked. Of course, the answer to

this question varies depending on where in the world one would ask. If one were to ask in

Greece, the answer would clearly be yes due to their financially rocky past. In contrast, if one

were to ask someone in Berlin, the answer would be different. While looking at the percentage

makeup of the EU, Germany sends 96 out of the total 751 members of the European Union

Parliament. Therefore, Germany always gets their way and nobody really has the power to stop
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them, especially with Britain’s succession from the EU in Brexit.

Angela Merkel:

Angela Merkel is the current Chancellor of Germany. She has been in this position since

2005, and is currently serving her fourth term. Merkel, being female, is also the first female

Chancellor of Germany. In her career she has managed to gain the utmost love and respect of the

German public to her current state of controversy. Angela Merkel is most characterized by her

passive approach to politics and her ethical and intelligent decisions. However, she is ridiculed

for this passive approach in not taking advantage of the extremely beneficial German economy.

Her choice to stay passive was a result in not wanting to mimic her predecessors in their violence

and evil ways. Even though this may have seemed to be the most ethical option, she is rightly

ridiculed for not looking out for her nation. In many interviews, she also appears immature and

stand offish despite her passive demeanor. On another note, Merkel has recently announced that

she will not be running for a 5th term as Chancellor. However, this adds pressure to her in

securing her legacy. She does not want to be known as the “Chancellor who broke Europe”.

France:

Germany is France’s main trade partner. Germany imports 71.3 billion euros worth of

French goods and exports approximately 86.5 billion euros worth of goods to France. France, on

the other hand, is Germany’s second main trading partner; France follows just behind the United

States of America. Although the trade, on paper, looks marvelous to the untrained eye, the

leaders of the two nations are not on good terms – however, they both share the goal of

integration. The two nations are working together to change the education systems in integrating

multiculturalism and new language studies. The current President of France is Emmanuel

Macron who has a certain spunk and style that does not coincide with Angela Merkel’s passive
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approach. In many instances, there has been a progressive move made by Macron, only to be

delayed by Merkel’s lame-duck attitude. Macron grows frustrated with Merkel as the days go on,

however there will only be 5 more years of her as Chancellor. Some summarized examples of

their discrepancies are: Germany’s trade and surplus, defense spending, Macron’s ability to

reform, process to integration, and the European Central Bank. France and Germany are bonded

in setting aside past rivalries through the Elysee Treaty which was established after WWII. This

treaty might be reviewed and renegotiated because Germany is unsure about the terms of the

agreement now that they have such power and influence in the EU.

United States:

Germany and the US are very close and strong allies. This alliance is based upon trade,

politics, economic strategy, and security. Despite the strong alliance the US and Germany share,

the relations between the US and Germany are quite bitter at the moment. As you know, Mr.

President, Angela Merkel’s political party does not necessarily line up with your views in

comparison to the similarity of Macron. For a while now, the US and Germany have been in

disagreement over national interest and foreign policy, along with trade and economic interest. In

the past Germany had produced more than it had consumed. Through this the Free Trade

Agreement gives Berlin an advantage. In the approach of “America First” and the idea of

nationalism, conflicts Merkel’s contradictory approach of rallying Europe together in her last

years of secure power.

Immigration Crisis:

I haven’t personally met her, but I wouldn’t need to meet her to know how sporadic she is

behind her passive demeanor. Angela Merkel is baffling to the entire German public and as I

have mentioned before, there is a lot of controversy surrounding her name at the moment. There
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is a migration crisis in Europe due to the irregular increase in immigration of people from the

Middle East and Africa. As an effect of this crisis, Germany’s government has nearly collapsed.

One of the decisions Merkel has made to baffle the public and other leaders in government is to

allow and welcome Syrian refugees. Many political powers have criticized and attacked Merkel

for this decision; it again makes me wonder how qualified she is to be Chancellor… Many of her

actions seem personally decided upon. As I mentioned above, she has said very childish

statements in her interviews and assumes a meek approach to politics due to fear of public

ridicule. Merkel has agreed, however, to send some migrants back to their home base. The need

for a solution is agreed upon throughout Europe, however the conflict resides in finding a

solution in which all parties agree. Merkel has an open border policy, but the German Interior

Minister has a different view. He wants to turn away all refugees, and may carry out this order

without Merkel’s permission.

Recommendations:

Economic Concern:

 Due to Merkel’s lack of initiative, the US could possibly extend an olive branch to

Merkel in an attempt to work together with Merkel and Macron

 Germany’s economy isn’t a place of concern per say, but the amount of power granted to

them for this economic surplus IS a concern. Angela must work together with Macron

and other EU members to discuss the surplus and the spending.

Power in Europe:

 Germany’s power may be too prominent in the future. This may not be an issue for

Germany as a nation, but it will pose future conflict amongst the EU. Germany needs to

work with France and other nations in the EU to spread power.

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 The power in Germany must be spread amongst the other members of the EU; Germany

is a super power in Europe and is the money tree; this will lead to even more conflict in

the future. The game in politics is a competition for power. Through Merkel’s attempts to

remain passive and not mimic the past leaders of Germany, she has gained a need for

power. This hunger may open the possibility of war.

Angela Merkel:

 Germany needs to step up and stop playing from the sidelines. The past is in the past—

Merkel is not Hitler, so why is she afraid of being aggressive? She must get over her fear

and take her proper role as a leader and make change from on the field. Political cartoons

and magazines don’t matter, if she were stronger in defense of her policies and approach,

Germany would be in better shape with its foreign partners and public.

 She has to stop contradicting herself. Merkel refuses to spend money on defense and

army, however she is advocating that Europe needs to come together for an army

 She also must drop the childish antics. Politicians are humans, yes. And it may play into

the pathos of a speech to appeal to the audience in a relatable way. However, when a

politician is as controversial as Merkel jokes about offending people in the audience, it is

childish and reflects poorly on her character and leadership. It makes me wonder why she

is in power and worries me for the future of Germany

France:

 I see no solution for the bickering between France and Germany until Merkel is out of

power. The next potential candidate for Chancellor has very similar views to Macron,

through this similarity may allow opportunity for cooperation and progressive decisions

to solve economic issues and possibly move along integration.

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 In the meantime, the surplus must be resolved and Germany and France must work

together to decide where that money goes. Many of the financial issues are internal to

Germany, but this effects France because France and Germany are very close and

influential trade partners to each other. The sooner the Elysee Treaty is renegotiated,

conflict may subside temporarily. Possibly through this negotiation, the two leaders may

be able to see eye to eye and resolve other issues.

USA:

 I see Merkel as a very stubborn woman, one who stands by her ideas—even if those ideas

are passive and not progressive. Mr. President, you must extend a hand to Merkel. Both

of you have fire in your veins and are very passionate political leaders who are not afraid

to speak your mind. The US must be cautious of entering a verbal war with Germany.

Due to the instability of the US at the moment and the instability of Germany, this may

not be the time to solve world issues. To help Germany, we must first resolve issues on

our own soil, and I believe they should do the same.

Social Conditions:

 Merkel’s open border policy has dwindled recently considering the political ridicule she

has received. This policy was put into play in 2015 resulting in around 1 million asylum-

seekers crossing the German border. Merkel has two options: revoke her policy and

become a lame duck in her position or, fire the minister of interior, but this would

jeopardize her and Germany’s position in Parliament.

All in all, the main issues in Germany seem to be stemming from the power being in the wrong

hands. I predict further complications as Merkel remains in power. Once Merkel has left the

position of Chancellor, there is hope for a progressive Germany.