Wednesday 17th November 2021
Historical instead of technical
Merkel is thinking about her own future
The outgoing Chancellor Merkel doesn’t have much to do with technology in her private life. As she reveals in an interview, she is already satisfied when she can program her washing machine correctly. What she wants to do after her term of office, the head of government leaves somewhat open.
Chancellor Angela Merkel wants to deal more with social and historical issues after the end of her term of office. “I can imagine repeatedly pointing out the connection between our prosperity, research and innovation – but I am sure that I will no longer be active scientifically,” said the doctor of physics.
“In the meantime, my main interest has shifted to the social context,” she explained. “I am now concerned with questions like these: How can one understand the historical development, how can one compare it globally? How did China develop over 2000 years, like Europe? And many more.”
So far, when asked what she actually wants to do after her 16-year term in office, Merkel has always replied that she does not yet know. In any case, computer games don’t play, the 67-year-old made that clear. She “doesn’t do that at all,” she replied briefly to a corresponding question. “Of course I use technology in a variety of ways, but I’m certainly not someone who always knows the latest computer software.” In her current day-to-day life, she is surrounded by guidelines from the Chancellery. This also applies to the selection of their smartphone, for example.
As much as Merkel, as Federal Chancellor, advocated innovation and research funding, her enthusiasm for technology is limited at home: “I’m really happy when I can program my washing machine so that it doesn’t start for a few hours.” In addition, she has “neither the time nor the interest to remotely control my entire apartment”. It could be that change after your term in office.