challenges in international, European and domestic politics with a characteristic
combination of firm moral principles, intellectual command of details and astute
pragmatism.
The first occasions on which Merkel demonstrated her political acumen
related to achieving compromises on French interests in EU agricultural policy
and the associated British rebate, and seeking international agreement on
tackling climate change. In both cases she revealed considerable skill in reaching
consensus where none initially appeared likely. Over time, Merkel’s willingness
to reconsider previous policy positions in the light of new evidence –
characteristic of her training in science and belief in fact-based argument – was
demonstrated in her turnaround on nuclear energy policy following the explosion
in 2011 of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in Japan. She proved
determined to hold her ground in dealing with her uncomfortable neighbour to
the east, Vladimir Putin’s Russia, with its designs on the Ukraine and
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