Trump took a swing at Merkel during his campaign over her refugee policy, criticizing her willingness to accept refugees and immigrants into Germany and stating: “What Merkel did to Germany is a shame, it’s a sad, sad shame.”
Merkel’s even-handed statement of congratulations to the Republican was composed with the utmost precise wording and couched in tones of warning.
‘Germany’s ties with the United States of America are deeper than with any country outside of the European Union.Merkel’s cooperation, and that of Germany and even the entire European Union, will be heavily influenced by exactly how racist, xenophobic, anti-Semitic, and misogynistic Trump’s campaign trail rhetoric becomes when turned into actual policy. Merkel told reporters at a press conference held on Wednesday:
‘Germany and America are bound by common values — democracy, freedom, as well as respect for the rule of law and the dignity of each and every person, regardless of their origin, skin color, creed, gender, sexual orientation, or political views.
‘It is based on these values that I wish to offer close cooperation, both with me personally and between our countries’ governments.’
‘The U.S. is an old and honorable democracy. The election campaign this year was a particular one with some confrontations what were difficult to stomach.According to the Washington Post, Merkel was really pulling her punches. Her deputy chancellor, Sigmar Gabriel, didn’t hold back at all, telling WaPo:
‘I, as many of you, watched the election results with trepidation.
‘The person the American people chose to be their president in free and fair elections has an effect far beyond the U.S.’
‘Trump is the trailblazer of a new authoritarian and chauvinist international movement. … They want a rollback to the bad old times in which women belonged by the stove or in bed, gays in jail and unions at best at the side table. And he who doesn’t keep his mouth shut gets publicly bashed.’Chancellor Merkel will certainly be keeping an eye on how Trump’s transition into power affects America’s standing with our allies, particularly one as vital as Germany.
Watch the video below of Angela Merkel and her warning for Trump, followed by a translation of her letter for the president-elect courtesy of the Washington Post.
“Please accept my congratulations on your election as President of the United States of America.
“You will assume office at a time in which our countries are jointly facing many different challenges.
“Germany’s ties with the United States of America are deeper than with any country outside of the European Union. Germany and America are bound by common values — democracy, freedom, as well as respect for the rule of law and the dignity of each and every person, regardless of their origin, skin color, creed, gender, sexual orientation, or political views. It is based on these values that I wish to offer close cooperation, both with me personally and between our countries’ governments.
“Partnership with the United States is and will remain a keystone of German foreign policy, especially so that we can tackle the great challenges of our time: striving for economic and social well-being, working to develop far-sighted climate policy, pursuing the fight against terrorism, poverty, hunger, and disease, as well as protecting peace and freedom in the world.
“In the years ahead as president, I wish you a sure hand, every success, and God’s blessing.”
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