Angela Merkel
Ulrich Matthes talks about the current emotional state of the ex-Chancellor
Angela Merkel at the presentation of the Cross of Merit, 1st class, of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany for the actor Ulrich Matthes.
© Frederic Kern / imago images
He counts himself among Angela Merkel’s circle of friends and still says: “I thought it was right that she resigned.” Ulrich Matthes has an inkling of what is driving the former chancellor in these turbulent times – and tries to give a rare insight into her inner life.
Ulrich Matthes, 63, does not want Angela Merkel, 67, back as Chancellor. A suggestion that initially sounds strange, as he is said to belong to the closer circle of acquaintances of the CDU politician. Of course, they are taken out of the context of an interview. The actor is reacting in the broadest sense to a question from a “Stern” journalist about his artistic exploration of a person like Vladimir Putin, 69, who is currently antagonizing most of the western world with the Russian military invasion of Ukraine.
Angela Merkel: Actor Ulrich Matthes treats her to the new phase of life
The following consideration gives rise to an argument about the role of the current chancellor, Olaf Scholz, 63. Does he react too hesitantly in a warlike conflict? “It’s too serious for that,” says Matthes. “Above all, I wished for better communication from Scholz,” he adds.
He finds it “strange,” but so far he hasn’t caught himself wanting Angela Merkel back to her old position, the 63-year-old said. “I just begrudge her that now, in this situation, she is no longer responsible. And I thought it was right that she resigned. The time was right. I say that with great sympathy for her,” Matthes formulates his thoughts.
“Elder Stateswoman”? Nothing for Angela Merkel
The actor understands the hard cut that Merkel made after leaving office. The ex-Chancellor stays out of day-to-day political business, practices restraint and has not yet publicly offered advice to her successor that might have been unwanted. “I suspect that she doesn’t want to be present as a kind of secondary chancellor,” the actor speculates and is certain: “If there is an unpretentious person, it’s Merkel. In terms of type alone, she doesn’t even aspire to the role of elder stateswoman .”
Matthes doesn’t like to talk about private matters, but in view of the armed conflict in Ukraine and the political developments associated with it, he reveals: “The situation burdens them far more than it burdens all of us anyway.”
Source used: stern.de