No regrets: Merkel looks back at refugee crisis, Russia ties

(ANSA-AFP) - BERLIN, NOV 26 - Germany's former chancellor Angela Merkel gives a spirited defence of her 16 years at the helm of Europe's top economy in her memoir "Freedom", released in 30 languages on Tuesday. Since she stepped down in 2021, Merkel has been accused of having been too soft on Russia, leaving Germany dangerously reliant on cheap Russian gas, and sparking turmoil and the rise of the far right with her open-door migrant policy. Her autobiography is released as wars rage in Ukraine and the Middle East, Donald Trump is heading back to the White House and Germany, stuck in economic malaise, faces early elections after its ruling coalition collapsed this month. Merkel, 70, remembered for her calm and unflappable leadership style, rejects blame for any of the current turmoil, in the 736-page autobiography co-written with longtime adviser Beate Baumann. (ANSA-AFP).