# Angela Merkel

> chancellor of Germany from 2005 to 2021 (born 1954)

**Wikidata**: [Q567](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q567)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angela_Merkel)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/angela-merkel

## Summary
Angela Merkel is a German politician who served as Chancellor of Germany from 2005 to 2021, making her the first female chancellor and one of the longest-serving leaders in modern European history. Born in 1954, she is a trained physicist and played a pivotal role in shaping European and global politics during her tenure.

## Biography
- **Born**: July 17, 1954, in Hamburg, Germany
- **Nationality**: German
- **Education**: Doctorate in quantum chemistry from the Central Institute for Physical Chemistry of the Academy of Sciences of the GDR (1986)
- **Known for**: Leadership as Chancellor of Germany, advocacy for European integration, and handling of the European migrant crisis
- **Employer(s)**: German Federal Government, German Academy of Sciences at Berlin, Leipzig University
- **Field(s)**: Politics, Physics

## Contributions
- **Political Leadership**: Led Germany through four consecutive terms (2005–2021), emphasizing pragmatic governance and stability.
- **European Integration**: Advocated for stronger EU cooperation, particularly during the Eurozone crisis and Brexit negotiations.
- **Climate Policy**: Promoted renewable energy transitions and hosted key international climate conferences.
- **Refugee Policy**: Implemented an open-door policy during the 2015 European migrant crisis, significantly impacting EU migration policies.
- **Scientific Background**: Conducted research in quantum chemistry, publishing work on the photodissociation of water vapor.

## FAQs
### What were Angela Merkel's key roles before becoming Chancellor?
Merkel served in Helmut Kohl's cabinets (1991–1998) as Minister for Women and Youth and later as Minister for the Environment. She also led the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) from 2000 to 2018.

### What is the "Merkel-Raute"?
The Merkel-Raute refers to her signature hand gesture, where she clasps her hands in front of her chest, becoming an iconic symbol of her public image.

### Which awards has Angela Merkel received?
She received the Charlemagne Prize (2013), Time Person of the Year (2015), and the Presidential Medal of Freedom (2023), among others, recognizing her leadership and commitment to democracy.

### How did Merkel's scientific background influence her political career?
Her training in physics emphasized analytical thinking and evidence-based decision-making, traits she applied to policy formulation, particularly in addressing climate change and technological innovation.

## Why They Matter
Angela Merkel reshaped German and European politics through her steady leadership during crises, commitment to democratic values, and advocacy for multilateralism. Her tenure saw Germany emerge as a leading voice in global affairs, influencing EU policy, climate action, and international diplomacy. Her pragmatic approach and scientific mindset set a precedent for evidence-driven governance, leaving a legacy that continues to shape European politics and global diplomacy.

## Notable For
- **First Female Chancellor of Germany**: Breaking gender barriers in German politics.
- **Longest-serving Chancellor of the Federal Republic**: Leading Germany for 16 years.
- **Climate Leadership**: Driving the Energiewende (energy transition) and advocating for the Paris Agreement.
- **European Stability**: Navigating the Eurozone crisis and maintaining EU cohesion during Brexit.
- **Refugee Policy**: Implementing a humanitarian response to the 2015 migrant crisis, reshaping EU asylum policies.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Angela Merkel was born on July 17, 1954, in Hamburg, Germany. She grew up in East Germany, where she studied physics at the University of Leipzig, earning a doctorate in quantum chemistry in 1986. Her research focused on the photodissociation of water vapor, reflecting her early career as a scientist.

### Political Career
Merkel entered politics after the fall of the Berlin Wall, joining the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in 1990. She quickly rose through the ranks, serving in Helmut Kohl's cabinets as Minister for Women and Youth (1991–1994) and Minister for the Environment (1994–1998). She became CDU leader in 2000 and Chancellor in 2005, a position she held until 2021.

### Domestic Policy
Merkel's domestic agenda emphasized stability and incremental reform. She oversaw the phase-out of nuclear energy, increased minimum wages, and expanded childcare support. Her leadership during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic included significant economic stimulus packages to mitigate the crisis's impact.

### Foreign Policy
A staunch advocate for European integration, Merkel played a central role in addressing the Eurozone crisis, negotiating bailouts for Greece and other EU nations. She maintained a balanced approach to relations with Russia, particularly after the annexation of Crimea, and supported NATO's eastern expansion. Her open-door policy during the 2015 migrant crisis highlighted her commitment to humanitarian values, though it also sparked political debate within Germany and the EU.

### Scientific Legacy
Merkel's background in physics influenced her policy approach, emphasizing data-driven decision-making. She often engaged with the scientific community, hosting international climate conferences and promoting Germany's transition to renewable energy.

### Post-Chancellorship
Since stepping down as Chancellor in 2021, Merkel has remained active in public life, advocating for continued European cooperation and democratic resilience. Her legacy as a stabilizing force in German and European politics continues to shape policy debates globally.

### Awards and Recognition
Merkel's leadership earned her numerous accolades, including the Charlemagne Prize (2013), Time Person of the Year (2015), and the Presidential Medal of Freedom (2023). These honors reflect her global influence and dedication to democratic principles.

### Cultural Impact
Merkel's pragmatic leadership style and iconic "Merkel-Raute" hand gesture made her a cultural symbol of stability. Her tenure saw Germany's growing role as a moral and economic leader in Europe, leaving a lasting imprint on the continent's political landscape.

## References

1. [CDU-Parteitag: Eimsbüttelerin Angela Merkel bekommt Nachfolgerin. 2018](https://www.eimsbuetteler-nachrichten.de/cdu-parteitag-merkel-nachfolger-akk/)
2. Integrated Authority File
3. Perlentaucher
4. filmportal.de
5. FemBio database
6. [Source](https://www.angela-merkel.de/leben.html)
7. [Source](https://www.bundesstiftung-aufarbeitung.de/de/recherche/kataloge-datenbanken/biographische-datenbanken/angela-merkel)
8. NNDB
9. Golden
10. [Source](https://templin.de/wir-uber-uns/ehrenburger-der-stadt-templin)
11. IMDb
12. Croatian Encyclopedia
13. Library of Congress Authorities
14. [Source](https://www.hdg.de/lemo/biografie/angela-merkel.html)
15. [Source](https://www.bundeskanzler.de/bk-de/kanzleramt/bundeskanzler-seit-1949/angela-merkel)
16. BnF authorities
17. IdRef
18. [Wie lebt es sich ohne das Hamsterrad?. 2022](https://www.stern.de/lifestyle/leute/angela-merkel--wie-lebt-es-sich-ohne-das-hamsterrad--32970474.html)
19. SNAC
20. [Source](https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-en/federal-government/cabinet)
21. [Source](https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-en/federal-government/federal-cabinet)
22. Parlement.com
23. basic data about the members of the Bundestag
24. [Source](https://www.kas.de/de/web/geschichte-der-cdu/generalsekretaere)
25. [Source](https://bundeswahlleiter.de/bundestagswahlen/2017/gewaehlte/bund-99/m.html)
26. [Ehrendoktorwürde für Angela Merkel. 2008](https://www.uni-leipzig.de/newsdetail/artikel/ehrendoktorwuerde-fuer-angela-merkel-2008-05-20)
27. [Source](https://www.workwithdata.com/person/angela-merkel-1954)
28. [Angela Merkel faces a painful setback in the Baden-Württemberg elections. 2011](http://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/mar/27/angela-merkel-baden-wurttemberg-elections)
29. [Source](http://www.bundestag.de/bundestag/abgeordnete18/biografien/M/merkel_angela/258788)
30. [Die Karlspreisträgerin 2008 Angela Merkel](http://www.karlspreis.de/de/preistraeger/angela-merkel-2008/vita)
31. [Source](http://www.botschaft-peru.de/pdf/BOLETIN3-07es.pdf)
32. [Source](http://www.ordens.presidencia.pt/?idc=154)
33. [Source](https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2011/02/15/remarks-president-honoring-recipients-2010-medal-freedom)
34. [Obama überreicht Merkel Freiheitsmedaille. 2011](https://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/ehrung-im-juni-obama-ueberreicht-merkel-freiheitsmedaille-a-755017.html)
35. [Source](http://www.atlantik-bruecke.org/service/dokumente/rede-von-bundeskanzlerin-angela-merkel.pdf)
36. [Angela Merkel wird ausgezeichnet. 2010](https://www.stern.de/panorama/deutscher-medienpreis-2009-angela-merkel-wird-ausgezeichnet-3335472.html)
37. [Merkel für deutsch-jüdische Aussöhnung ausgezeichnet. 2010](https://www.abendblatt.de/politik/article107856555/Merkel-fuer-deutsch-juedische-Aussoehnung-ausgezeichnet.html)
38. ["Eure Rede aber sei ja, ja, nein, nein". 2012](https://archive.vn/20130210184511/http://www.domradio.de/nachrichten/2012-11-28/angela-merkel-pflegt-zum-judentum-eine-besondere-beziehung#selection-335.1-335.40)
39. [Dettaglio decorato. Presidency of the Italian Republic](http://www.quirinale.it/elementi/DettaglioOnorificenze.aspx?decorato=173898)
40. [Source](http://iccr.gov.in/content/nehru-award-recipients)
41. [Merkel chosen for Indira Gandhi Prize. 2013](https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/merkel-chosen-for-indira-gandhi-prize/article5367696.ece?homepage=true)
42. [2015](http://www.domradio.de/themen/judentum/2015-12-03/merkel-mit-abraham-geiger-preis-fuer-verdienste-um-judentum-ausgezeichnet)
43. [2016](https://www.bundesregierung.de/Content/DE/Reiseberichte/2016-06-10-deutschland-china.html)
44. [Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China](http://www.moe.gov.cn/s78/A22/xwb_left/moe_829/201802/t20180228_328136.html)
45. [2015](http://lex.justice.md/index.php?action=view&view=doc&lang=1&id=361857)
46. Tildelinger av ordener og medaljer
47. [Merkel warnt Israel vor Stillstand. 2011](https://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/nahost-frieden-merkel-warnt-israel-vor-stillstand-a-742964.html)
48. [Werner Faymann: "Dank für konstruktive Zusammenarbeit zwischen Deutschland und Österreich". 2015](http://bka.gv.at/site/cob__60350/6597/default.aspx)
49. [Merkel: Rumänien muss Reformen fortsetzen. 2013](https://www.focus.de/politik/ausland/international-merkel-rumaenien-muss-reformen-fortsetzen_aid_561349.html)
50. [Bundeskanzlerin Angela Merkel: «Gut Ding will Weile haben». 2015](https://www.unibe.ch/aktuell/medien/media_relations/archiv/news/2015/medienmitteilungen_2015/bundeskanzlerin_angela_merkel_gut_ding_will_weile_haben/index_ger.html)