The Economist Critiques Merkel's Legacy: Economic and Geopolitical Setbacks

The British magazine attributes Germany's decline to Merkel's leadership, highlighting economic stagnation and geopolitical dependencies.

Angela Merkel's 16-year tenure as German Chancellor is criticized by The Economist for lacking substantial reforms and leading to economic stagnation.
The magazine argues that Germany has become geopolitically dependent on the U.S., China, and Russia, creating vulnerabilities.
Merkel's approach to handling crises, termed 'Merkeln,' is seen as a tendency to delay decisive action, impacting both Germany and the EU.
The Economist highlights Merkel's protection of Hungary's Viktor Orbán, suggesting it enabled anti-democratic trends in the EU.
While her refugee policy is praised, it is also noted for inadvertently fueling the rise of right-wing extremism in Germany and Europe.