Angela Merkel, the former German chancellor, indicated that she misses certain diplomatic exchanges after stepping down from the chancellery. In a recent interview with a French magazine, she said she does not miss the hustle of politics itself, but she does miss meetings with influential figures, especially President Emmanuel Macron, who remains a central figure in European dialogue. The remark underscores how personal diplomacy can linger long after a political career ends, and how Franco‑German conversations continue to shape regional cooperation.
“I don’t miss being political. But what I miss are the meetings with some personalities, including President Macron,” she explained. This sentiment reveals a sense of nostalgia for the personal dynamics of high‑level conversations and the chance to work closely with leaders who shaped bilateral relations in the mid‑career years.
Merkel also praised Macron’s culture, intelligence, and creative approach to solving problems. She highlighted his method of handling bilateral relations as a practical example of how thoughtful dialogue can influence outcomes, especially when it comes to steering shared interests between two neighboring nations.
She recalled that working with the United States during the Trump era was intense, noting that substantial effort is required to safeguard Germany’s interests. The experience underscored how volatile global politics can be and how steadfast messaging and strategy are needed when global partners take shifts in policy or tone.
In her memoirs, Merkel writes about the emotions surrounding the appearance of a black Labrador named Connie during negotiations with Vladimir Putin. The canine moment is described as part of the atmosphere that surrounded late‑stage discussions with the Russian president, illustrating how unexpected elements can become memorable footnotes in high‑stakes diplomacy.
The former chancellor has a fear of dogs that began after being bitten at the Uckermark fair. Ahead of a forthcoming meeting, Merkel’s adviser informed the Russian side of her concern and was provided with a large plush dog as a gift, along with the reassurance that it does not bite, a gesture meant to ease tension without compromising the seriousness of the talks.
On November 28, Putin publicly apologized again for inviting his Labrador Connie to meet Merkel. He said he was unaware of her fear of dogs, but Merkel maintains a different memory in her memoirs, underscoring how personal history can intersect with political narratives in unexpected ways.
Her recollections also touch on a moment she describes as a “slap in the face” for Ukraine, reflecting how past negotiations carried emotional weight and political symbolism that resonated beyond the immediate talks. The episode remains part of the broader story of European responses to the Ukrainian crisis as seen through Merkel’s perspective.