Angela Merkel — SPARQNOW

At-a-Glance

Served as Chancellor of Germany from 2005 to 2021.
First woman and first person from former East Germany to serve as Chancellor.
Leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) from 2000 to 2018.
Served as President of the European Council in the first half of 2007.
Played a central role in the negotiation of the Treaty of Lisbon and the Berlin Declaration.
Managed the 2008 financial crisis and the Euro area crisis.
Holds a doctorate in quantum chemistry.

Biography

Angela Dorothea Merkel is a German stateswoman and retired politician who served as Chancellor of Germany from 2005 to 2021. She holds the distinction of being the only woman and the only person from former East Germany to have held the office. Merkel also served as Leader of the Opposition from 2002 to 2005 and as Leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) from 2000 to 2018.

Born in Hamburg, West Germany, Merkel's family moved to East Germany during her infancy.