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Angela Merkel

Chancellor

German Government

POSITION

Chancellor

COMPANY

German Government

COUNTRY

Germany

AGE

69 years

Website

Office of the Federal Chancellor

SCENE

Social

SOCIAL

Instagram

Twitter

What makes Angela Merkel a Global Shaker?

Angela Dorothea Merkel is a German politician serving as Chancellor of Germany since 2005 and leader of the centre-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) since 2000. Merkel has been widely described as the de facto leader of the European Union, the most powerful woman in the world, and the leader of the Free World.

In 2007, Merkel was President of the European Council and played a central role in the negotiation of the Treaty of Lisbon and the Berlin Declaration. One of Merkel’s consistent priorities has been to strengthen transatlantic economic relations. Merkel played a crucial role in managing the financial crisis at the European and international level.

On 22 November 2005, Merkel assumed the office of Chancellor of Germany following a stalemate election that resulted in a grand coalition with the SPD (Social Democratic Party of Germany). The coalition deal was approved by both parties at party conferences on 14 November 2005. Merkel was elected Chancellor by the majority of delegates (397 to 217) in the newly assembled Bundestag on 22 November 2005.

Angela Merkel took a notably muted position in the midst of Britain’s referendum on departing from the European Union.

With Britain set to leave the European Union, Germany and France are predicted to wield significant influence –  meaning that these countries will hold significant sway in determining future policies and trade relations.

Angela Merkel, as the de-facto leader of the EU, will play a leading role in Brexit negotiations. Political commentators have hinted at the possibility that Angela Merkel will not be willing to give Britain the ‘sweet deal’ that it wants, in a diplomatic warning to other countries considering a departure from the EU.

Last updated: May 16, 2018