A Main Character

Angela Merkel

AGE: 66

RESIDENCE: Berlin, Germany

CITIZENSHIP: Germany

MARITAL STATUS: Married

EDUCATION: Doctorate, Leipzig University; Master of Science, Leipzig University

Merkel became the first female Chancellor of Germany in 2005 and is serving her fourth term.

In November 2018, Merkel stepped down as leader of the Christian Democratic Union and announced she wouldn't seek another term as chancellor in 2021.

Merkel remains the de facto leader of Europe, leading the region's largest economy after steering Germany through financial crisis and back to growth.

Her leadership is marked by her steely reserve, from standing up to Donald Trump to allowing more than a million Syrian refugees into Germany.

An October 2020 survey found 75% of adults in 14 European countries trust Merkel more than any other leader in the region.

The big question that the public is now asking is who and what will come after Merkel's time in office comes to an end.

Fun Facts:

Merkel has a PhD in Physical Chemistry which she got from the Academy of Sciences in Berlin-Adlershof for her thesis on quantum chemistry.

Among her supporters, Merkel is often referred to as Mutti, which means "Mommy."