The former Prime Minister and President of the European Commission recently gave an interview for the Belgian news outlet Le Soir.
Juncker acknowledged that Chancellor Merkel never acted on her own when it came to saving the European Union. She helped support Greece, but simultaneously dragged the process out with the internal differences in her parliamentary group. During the refugee crisis, Merkel did neither open nor close the German border, a nuanced difference, Juncker emphasised.
When asked about the actions of the Chancellor in regards to the pandemic, Juncker explained that at the beginning of the 2000s, Merkel argued against the idea of turning the health sector into a European competence. However, he believes that Germany must realise that a united front is the right way forward.
During the interview, Juncker also portrayed Merkel as a rational politician, who always recognised the value of Europe. She is a state leader who knew how to ask the right questions, who cooperated with others to find solutions, and who overcame hostility in her own country, the former PM concluded.
On a personal note, both politicians had a good relationship. Juncker noted that she was always a great listener and showed interest in personal matters. Furthermore, she was humble in her role and paid attention even to the smallest of EU member states.
