Angela Merkel

About

Angela Merkel is a renowned German politician who served as Chancellor of Germany from 2005 to 2021. Born on July 17, 1954, in Hamburg, West Germany, she moved to East Germany with her family at a young age. Merkel studied physics and later earned a doctorate in quantum chemistry. Her entry into politics was marked by the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. She joined the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in 1990 and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the party's first female leader in 2000. Merkel's leadership was characterized by pragmatism and a commitment to European unity. She navigated significant crises, including the 2008 financial crisis and the 2015 refugee crisis. Her tenure saw the implementation of climate policies and the phase-out of nuclear power. Merkel was awarded the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011 for promoting liberty and human rights. She is known for her diplomatic approach and her role in strengthening international cooperation, particularly within the European Union. Merkel's legacy continues to influence global politics and European integration.