Angela Merkel is a German politician who served as the Chancellor of Germany from 2005 to 2021. She was the first woman to hold this position and is known for her pragmatic leadership style. Merkel played a significant role in European and global politics, particularly during crises such as the European debt crisis and the refugee crisis. Merkel is a member of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and has a background in science, holding a doctorate in quantum chemistry. Her tenure was marked by a focus on economic stability, environmental issues, and strengthening the European Union.