Erinnerungen. Mein Leben in der Politik (Memories. My Life in Politics) is simply a book by Wolfgang Schäuble, 1 of the most influential German politicians in fresh decades, who in his long political life has undergone many storms, hard decisions and individual challenges.
Schäuble, a long-standing associate of the CDU, held a number of crucial roles in German politics, including as Minister of Finance, Head of the Chancellor's Office, president of the Bundestag and key figure in shaping EU policy, especially during the euro area financial crisis.
From childhood to tragedy
The book is an autobiography of Schäuble, in which the politician honestly and straight shares his memories and reflections on life in politics. We can learn the details of his childhood, increasing up in postwar Germany, the first steps in politics, and the challenges he faced erstwhile his career gained momentum.
One of the most touching moments of the book is the reflection on the assassination that took place in 1990 and which forever changed Schäuble's life. He's been shot, and he's been in a wheelchair always since. In the book, this tragic incidental is not only a individual tragedy, but besides a turning point in his career, which shows his determination and strength of character.
Euro crisis and crisis in relations with Merkel
Schäuble, as German finance minister, played a key function during the debt crisis in Europe. The book describes its efforts to stabilise the euro and the hard decisions it had to take in the face of the increasing problems of Greece and another countries in confederate Europe.
Schäuble worked with the Chancellor for many years Angela MerkelEven though their relation was tense. In the book, it describes both the moments of cooperation and differences of opinion that have arisen between them, especially in key political moments.
Political will
Schäuble besides discusses changes in German interior policy over the years, including migration, social and economical reforms, and Germany's function in a changing world. It sets out its views on these issues, based on its many years of experience in public administration.
The book is not just a political will. Schäuble besides shares his individual reflections on life, religion and values that shaped his decisions. His individual life, relations with his household and friends, as well as the fight against physical limitations after the assassination, are an crucial part of this autobiography.
Source for the past of Germany
The book is written in an accessible way, which makes even those not close to politics able to enjoy it. Schäuble does not avoid hard topics, but approaches them with the carefulness and maturity he gained over the years working at the highest levels of power. His speech is balanced – he does not effort to whitewash his decisions or hide hard moments, which adds the book of authenticity.
Erinnerungen. Mein Leben in der Politik This is simply a fascinating reading for anyone curious in German and European politics, as well as public life in general. Schäuble shows himself not only as a politician, but besides a man who had to face many adversitys. His memories are full of wisdom and at the same time let a better knowing of the spheres of many key political decisions of fresh decades.
I urge to people who are curious in the contemporary past of Germany and Europe, this book is simply a valuable origin of information and reflection.
Against adversity
Wolfgang Schäuble (born September 18, 1942) was 1 of the most crucial and influential German politicians in post-war Europe. He died in December 2023. A associate of the Christian-Democratic Union (CDU), he served for many years at the highest levels of power, including as Minister of the Interior, Minister of Finance and president of the Bundestag. His political career spans respective decades, covering key moments of modern German history, specified as country unification, the euro area crisis and economical reforms.
In 1990, Schäuble was shot during the assassination, which caused him to decision in a wheelchair always since. Despite this incident, he continued his political work with full commitment and determination. Known for his hard but rational decisions, Schäuble played a key function in shaping German and European Union policies. His experience, imagination and firmness made him 1 of the most respected European politicians.
Matthäus Golla
Wolfgang Schäuble, Erinnerungen. Mein Leben in der Politik, Klett-Cotta Verlag, Stuttgart 2024, p. 656.
