The European Union has just awarded Angela Merkel the European Order of Merit, the highest institutional honor in the bloc. Yes — the same Angela Merkel whose political decisions are still impacting the daily lives of millions of Europeans.
In Brussels, she is praised as a “historic leader” and a symbol of stability. Outside the EU bubble, however, many Europeans see something very different: a politician whose decisions helped accelerate Europe’s energy, economic, and migration crisis.
The announcement immediately sparked backlash online and among conservative voices across Europe, where frustration continues growing against political elites increasingly viewed as disconnected from ordinary people.
Because while Brussels hands out medals, European families are struggling with record electricity bills, crushing inflation, rising insecurity, and weakening economies.
One of Merkel’s biggest political mistakes was dismantling Germany’s nuclear energy system.
After the Fukushima disaster in 2011, the former chancellor pushed to shut down Germany’s nuclear power plants even though they produced nearly 30 percent of the country’s electricity. Experts warned at the time that the decision could become a long-term disaster.
They were ignored.
Germany went from being one of Europe’s strongest and most stable energy powers to depending heavily on foreign gas and unreliable “green” policies incapable of supporting Europe’s largest industrial economy. The consequences eventually hit everyone: soaring energy prices, weakened industries, and dangerous dependence on foreign suppliers just as the Russia crisis exploded.
But the decision that permanently defined Merkel’s legacy was her massive border opening in 2015.
The former chancellor allowed millions of migrants, mainly from the Middle East and Africa, to enter Europe under what was promoted as a “humanitarian” policy. Progressive media celebrated her for years. Anyone criticizing the policy was quickly labeled “far-right,” censored, or politically attacked.
Today, reality speaks for itself.
Many Europeans feel their cities changed dramatically within just a decade. Integration failures, rising violent crime, pressure on public services, and growing cultural tensions have become impossible to ignore across several European countries.
And yet Brussels chooses to reward her.
For millions of citizens, the message feels almost insulting. The same elites who pushed open borders, globalism, and social engineering continue congratulating each other while Europe loses security, identity, and economic stability.
More and more Europeans believe nobody in Brussels is listening anymore.
Europe does not need more empty speeches or politicians obsessed with ideological agendas.
Europe needs secure borders, energy sovereignty, public order, and leaders willing to defend the cultural roots that built the continent in the first place.
For years, Europe’s left-wing establishment called these policies “progress.” Today, millions of families are being forced to live with the consequences.
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About The Author
Rafa Gómez-Santos Martín
Rafael Santos is a Portuguese writer and political analyst dedicated to educating Hispanics on traditional values and the importance of protecting children and families. With years of experience in media and public discourse, he has been a strong advocate for cultural preservation and moral principles in an ever-changing world. Passionate about culture, sports, and current affairs, Rafael brings insightful analysis to political and social debates, striving to empower the Hispanic community with knowledge and a deeper understanding of the issues that shape their lives.
