The memoirs of the late CDU politician Wolfgang Schäuble reveal efforts by former CSU leader Edmund Stoiber to persuade him to overthrow Chancellor Angela Merkel during the 2015 refugee crisis. In excerpts published by “Stern” magazine, Schäuble describes a difficult situation in the Union, culminating in a CSU party conference where Horst Seehofer, then Bavarian Prime Minister, criticized Merkel. Stoiber then encouraged Schäuble to oust Merkel and become Chancellor himself, a proposition that Schäuble firmly rejected. Schäuble believed that removing the Chancellor would only harm the party in the long run without solving the underlying issues, calling his decision a matter of loyalty.
Edmund Stoiber, who served as Bavarian Prime Minister from 1993 to 2007 and CSU chairman from 1999 to 2007, had been critical of Merkel’s handling of the refugee crisis. Although Schäuble supported Merkel’s decision to keep Germany’s borders open to refugees in 2015 for humanitarian and European policy reasons, he also criticized her approach to the issue. He had backed Merkel and her statement “We can do it,” seeing it as a strong message that should have been accompanied by additional measures to clarify the one-time emergency response. Schäuble believed in being honest with the people about the costs and sacrifices involved in supporting refugees, expressing his frustration with Merkel’s resistance to advice and suggesting that she could have taken different approaches to political leadership.
Schäuble’s memoir, titled “Memories: My Life in Politics,” is set to be released next week. The veteran politician passed away at the age of 81 on the second day of Christmas, having held various key positions in his political career, including Chief of Staff of the Chancellery, Minister of the Interior and Finance, CDU Chairman, and President of the Bundestag. He was the longest-serving member of the Bundestag, having been a member for 51 years, and was laid to rest in his hometown of Offenburg. The memoir sheds light on his experiences and reflections on the political landscape in Germany, particularly during the turbulent times of the refugee crisis and the challenges faced by the Union.
The revelations in Schäuble’s memoirs offer insights into the internal struggles within the Union during the refugee crisis, highlighting tensions and disagreements over the handling of the influx of refugees in 2015. The interactions between key political figures such as Merkel, Stoiber, and Schäuble shed light on the complexities and challenges faced by German politicians during a time of crisis and uncertainty. The memoirs provide a valuable perspective on the decision-making processes and leadership styles of prominent figures in German politics, offering a glimpse into the dynamics and power struggles at play within the Union during a critical period in history.
The memoirs also underscore Schäuble’s dedication to his principles and sense of loyalty, as he stood by his convictions and refused to support any moves to replace Merkel as Chancellor. His unwavering commitment to the unity and stability of the party, despite the internal divisions and pressures, reflects his steadfast belief in the importance of leadership and responsibility in politics. The memoirs serve as a testament to Schäuble’s legacy and contributions to German politics, showcasing his resilience, integrity, and leadership in navigating the complexities of governance and decision-making at critical junctures in history.
