Angela Merkel’s Challenge to Europe
The German chancellor's recent speech, at a campaign stop near Munich, in which she called on Europeans to "take our fate into our own hands," did not amount to a rejection of Europe's transatlantic alliance with the US. But it could have far-reaching implications for Germany's role in the EU and in the world.
BERLIN – German Chancellor Angela Merkel has never been regarded as an especially inspiring orator. In fact, she has a reputation for gently talking her audiences to sleep. But that all changed a few days ago. While campaigning in the Munich suburb of Trudering, Merkel, speaking from a beer tent, delivered a powerful speech that dominated headlines on both sides of the Atlantic.