Angela Merkel: Former German Chancellor

Early Life and Career

Angela Merkel was born on July 17, 1954, in Hamburg, West Germany. A retired politician, she served as the Chancellor of Germany from 2005 to 2021. Prior to her time as Chancellor, she held various roles within the German government, including Federal Minister for Women, Youth, Family and Senior Citizens.

Ascension to Power

In the 2005 federal election, Merkel led her party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), to victory, becoming the first woman to hold the office of Chancellor. She formed a grand coalition with the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and was sworn in on November 22, 2005.