Reflections on Merkel’s past and her current influence
On August 31, 2015, Angela Merkel made history with her famous statement: “Wir Schaffen das!”, a message of optimism addressed to the German people at a time of migration crisis. Her decision to allow in almost a million refugees unleashed a tsunami of social and political impacts that Germany is still grappling with.
The consequences of Merkel’s decisions on energy policy
In addition to the migration crisis, Merkel faced criticism for her energy policy, which made Germany more dependent on Russian gas. With the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine, these decisions have led to a serious energy crisis, revealing the vulnerability of a model based on foreign dependence.
A mirror for Catalonia
In a recent parliamentary session, the President of the Generalitat, Salvador Illa, referred to Merkel’s legacy, defending her strategy on immigration and nuclear energy. Illa expressed his preference for Angela Merkel’s policies over the more aggressive model promoted by Donald Trump during his presidency.
The risks of a dependent energy model
Catalonia, with a high degree of dependence on nuclear energy, is in a delicate situation. The plan to close nuclear power plants could increase its vulnerability, with a potential cost of billions of euros per year. Illa warned that the path of foreign energy dependence must be avoided, a mistake that has already affected Germany.
Migration policy as a reference
Illa has also looked to Merkel’s migration policy, which allowed the entry of many refugees, a gesture that was initially celebrated but which led to chaos that fueled the rise of far-right parties. In this context, Illa has claimed his own approach to immigration, following in Merkel’s footsteps, despite the controversies that this entails.
Merkel’s political legacy and its influence on the present
Angela Merkel’s legacy has become a topic of debate, with Salvador Illa defending some of her decisions, despite the criticism and negative consequences that have arisen. Her commitment to a more open and inclusive policy on immigration and her energetic stance seem to be a continuation of an era that many consider failed, both for Germany and the European Union.
Prospects for the future
With a European panorama that is being pushed towards decadence by past decisions, Salvador Illa’s position invites us to reflect on the political direction that Catalonia should take. His choice of leaders like Merkel and Aragonès marks a path that, despite its controversies, seeks a solution to the complex current reality.
