Angela Merkel: Former German Chancellor and Global Leader

Early Life and Career

Angela Dorothea Merkel (born July 17, 1954) is a German politician and former scientist. Born in Hamburg, West Germany, she embarked on a career in science before entering politics in the 1990s.

Political Career

Merkel served as President of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) from 2000 to 2018. In 2005, she was elected as the first female Chancellor of Germany, a position she held until 2021. During her tenure, she steered Germany through the global financial crisis and the European sovereign debt crisis. Merkel played a central role in shaping European foreign policy, including the response to the Ukraine crisis.

Global Leadership

Merkel was widely regarded as one of the world's most influential leaders. She fostered close relationships with global leaders and played a significant role in the G7 and G20 summits. Her leadership style, characterized by pragmatism and a focus on consensus, earned her international respect.

Legacy

After her retirement from politics, Merkel remains an active voice on global issues. Her legacy as Chancellor of Germany and a global leader is complex and multifaceted. She is credited with guiding Germany through economic and political challenges while shaping the course of European and global affairs.