Angela Merkel

Profession: Chancellor of Germany

Nationality:

Biography: Angela Merkel served as Chancellor of Germany from 2005 to 2021. She was the first woman to hold this position and is widely regarded as one of the most influential leaders in modern European history.

Merkel was born in Hamburg, West Germany, but her family moved to East Germany when she was an infant. She studied physics at university and later earned a doctorate in quantum chemistry, subsequently working as a research scientist until the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.

After German reunification, Merkel entered politics and quickly rose through the ranks of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party. She served as Minister for Women and Youth and later as Minister for the Environment under Chancellor Helmut Kohl. In 2000, Merkel became the first female leader of the CDU.

As Chancellor, Merkel led Germany through several major crises, including the global financial crisis of 2008 and the European debt crisis. She played a key role in shaping the European Union's response to these challenges and helped to maintain stability in the region. Merkel also implemented important domestic policies, such as the Energiewende program to transition Germany to renewable energy sources.

Throughout her tenure, Merkel was known for her calm and pragmatic leadership style. She was often referred to as the de facto leader of the European Union and was recognized as one of the most powerful women in the world. Merkel stepped down as Chancellor in 2021 but remains an influential figure in global politics.

Born: July 17, 1954
Birthplace: Hamburg, West Germany
Age: 69 years old

Generation: Baby Boomer
Chinese Zodiac: Horse
Star Sign: Cancer