She is head and shoulders the leading woman in Germany. No other woman or man for that matter, can touch her on the European political scene.Reuters
She is head and shoulders the leading woman in Germany. No other woman or man for that matter, can touch her on the European political scene.ReutersThis former left-wing guerilla and firebrand has transformed herself into a solid mainstream political figure. With one of the top emerging economies under her, Rousseff is too important to ignore.ReutersGates is known for her constant campaigning and fundraising for causes in the international development arena.ReutersBeing wife of the leader of the United States is bound to give you a big profile but Michelle Obama captures the spotlight by being an influential political figure in her own right.ReutersShe has been First Lady, Senator of New York and Secretary of State. The only thing she hasn’t done is been President of the United States. Expect her to run in 2016.ReutersWith many asking why there are not more women COOs at the top of business, Sandberg shows how it’s done by being one of the most powerful leaders in the corporate world.ReutersShe is the first head of the IMF and has been playing a pivotal role in tackling the European debt crisis.ReutersBeing in charge of the one of the most important departments in US politics commands respect and attention.ReutersBeing part of one of the great political dynasties in India already demands a lot of you. Gandhi does that is one of the most powerful allies of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.ReutersWith a distinguished business career behind her, Nooyi has consistently been ranked in the Forbes 100 Most Powerful Women List.Reuters
Forbes has anointed German Chancellor Angela Merkel as the most powerful woman in the world only days ahead of the country's general election.
Merkel is already tipped to win a third term. Her first place position in Forbes Magazine's 100 Most Powerful Women List will also undoubtedly cement her place as one of the most successful leaders in the democratic world.
She has been in power for eight years and shows no signs of slowing down. There is no clear political rival or clear successor Merkel is nursing to inherit her distinct leadership style. The Merkel 'brand' combines consummate populism that steals the clothes of opponents and controls the centre-ground.
The fusion Merkel's political success with the economic might of Germany during the Eurozone crisis has given Merkel unprecedented stature.
Check out the IBTimes UK slideshow to see who she has beaten.
