Welcome to DU!
The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards.
Join the community:
Create a free account
Support DU (and get rid of ads!):
Become a Star Member
Latest Breaking News
General Discussion
The DU Lounge
All Forums
Issue Forums
Culture Forums
Alliance Forums
Region Forums
Support Forums
Help & Search
General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsThe Secret to Germany's COVID-19 Success: Angela Merkel Is a Scientist
For weeks now, Germanys leader has deployed her characteristic rationality, coupled with an uncharacteristic sentimentality, to guide the country through what has thus far been a relatively successful battle against COVID-19. The pandemic is proving to be the crowning challenge for a politician whose leadership style has consistently been described as analytical, unemotional, and cautious. In her quest for social and economic stability during this outbreak, Merkel enjoys several advantages: a well-respected, coordinated system of scientific and medical expertise distributed across Germany; the hard-earned trust of the public; and the undeniable fact that steady and sensible leadership is suddenly back in style. With 30 years of political experience, and facing an enormous challenge that begs calm, reasoned thinking, Merkel is at peak performance modeling the humble credibility of a scientist at work. And it seems to be paying off, both politically and scientifically.
..........................................
Merkelfor whom, as a former East German, liberty and freedom are known to be paramountunderstood all too personally what the lockdown meant for her fellow citizens. On March 18, after the country had closed its schools, its economy, its way of life, she gave a rare televised speech that solidified her leadership.
Facing the camera from behind a desk, with both the German and European Union flags to her side, she began on an emotional note, by conceding that our idea of normality, of public life, social togethernessall of this is being put to the test as never before. She emphasized the importance of democracy and of making transparent political decisions and she insisted that any information she shared about the pandemic was based on thorough research. Then, in an astonishing statement for a German leader, one she must have considered endlessly," Kornelius told me, she made reference to her countrys darkest hour. Since the Second World War, Merkel said, there has not been a challenge for our country in which action in a spirit of solidarity on our part was so important.
What stood out from the address was not so much Merkels medical advice, but her unusually direct appeal to the notion of social togetherness and to her own limitations as an individual and as a leader (I firmly believe that we will pass this test if all citizens genuinely see this as their task). Her rational assurances and her emotional appeal were crucial at a time of rising panic. While the mood isnt quite so dark here anymorethanks to a variety of factors, Germany appears to have dealt with the outbreak better than many other countriesGermans largely continue to heed the chancellors detailed directives. The number of people infected by the coronavirus has increased, as it has throughout the world. But unlike in Italy, where more than 22,000 have lost their life to COVID-19, or in the United States, where the death toll has surpassed that figure and continues to rise rapidly, total deaths in Germany have been inching up from 4,000. To put this in perspective, more than twice as many New Yorkers have lost their life to the coronavirus as have individuals in all of Germany to date.
..........................................
Merkelfor whom, as a former East German, liberty and freedom are known to be paramountunderstood all too personally what the lockdown meant for her fellow citizens. On March 18, after the country had closed its schools, its economy, its way of life, she gave a rare televised speech that solidified her leadership.
Facing the camera from behind a desk, with both the German and European Union flags to her side, she began on an emotional note, by conceding that our idea of normality, of public life, social togethernessall of this is being put to the test as never before. She emphasized the importance of democracy and of making transparent political decisions and she insisted that any information she shared about the pandemic was based on thorough research. Then, in an astonishing statement for a German leader, one she must have considered endlessly," Kornelius told me, she made reference to her countrys darkest hour. Since the Second World War, Merkel said, there has not been a challenge for our country in which action in a spirit of solidarity on our part was so important.
What stood out from the address was not so much Merkels medical advice, but her unusually direct appeal to the notion of social togetherness and to her own limitations as an individual and as a leader (I firmly believe that we will pass this test if all citizens genuinely see this as their task). Her rational assurances and her emotional appeal were crucial at a time of rising panic. While the mood isnt quite so dark here anymorethanks to a variety of factors, Germany appears to have dealt with the outbreak better than many other countriesGermans largely continue to heed the chancellors detailed directives. The number of people infected by the coronavirus has increased, as it has throughout the world. But unlike in Italy, where more than 22,000 have lost their life to COVID-19, or in the United States, where the death toll has surpassed that figure and continues to rise rapidly, total deaths in Germany have been inching up from 4,000. To put this in perspective, more than twice as many New Yorkers have lost their life to the coronavirus as have individuals in all of Germany to date.
https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2020/04/angela-merkel-germany-coronavirus-pandemic/610225/
Experience, a respect for data and realistic humility is a good combination for a leader. She doesn't need to resort to stoking rage and anger, and doesn't rail against "the establishment," she directs and guides it with a wealth of knowledge, a calm demeanor and expertise. She doesn't dictate what the data and experts should say, nor decries it as "corrupt" when it doesn't suit her talking points. She listens.
InfoView thread info, including edit history
TrashPut this thread in your Trash Can (My DU » Trash Can)
BookmarkAdd this thread to your Bookmarks (My DU » Bookmarks)
11 replies, 1143 views
ShareGet links to this post and/or share on social media
AlertAlert this post for a rule violation
PowersThere are no powers you can use on this post
EditCannot edit other people's posts
ReplyReply to this post
EditCannot edit other people's posts
Rec (28)
ReplyReply to this post
11 replies
= new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight:
NoneDon't highlight anything
5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
The Secret to Germany's COVID-19 Success: Angela Merkel Is a Scientist (Original Post)
ehrnst
Apr 2020
OP
Botany
(70,490 posts)1. Angela Merkel Is a Scientist vs Trump on using hydroxychloroquine "what do you have to lose?"
n/t
TEB
(12,841 posts)2. And trump is a total imbecile
ProfessorGAC
(64,995 posts)9. You Forgot "And A Failure"
At everything he's ever done.
Said it before.
If he took Daddy's "loans" from 71-78, and the inheritance and invested in the markets, he'd have $5 billion, after having lived like a king for 49 years.
Even his net worth lie was less than $5 billion!
He failed even at being lazy!
Arkansas Granny
(31,514 posts)3. And Donald Trump is a snake oil salesman.
SheltieLover
(57,073 posts)4. K&R
I vaguely remember times when this country had intelligent people in the WH, in positions of grave responsibility, people of competence and experience. Or is that memory just a fever dream?
ehrnst
(32,640 posts)7. I know... remember when intellect was something that was welcome in the WH? (nt)
niyad
(113,259 posts)10. Not just the WH, but in general.
ehrnst
(32,640 posts)11. Yep - and especially in political campaigns. (nt)