Angela Merkel was the first woman to serve as the Chancellor of Germany, holding office from 2005 to 2021. Her leadership during crises such as the 2008 financial downturn and the European debt crisis established her as a stabilizing force in European politics. Merkel's pragmatic approach to governance focused on economic stability, environmental policy, and social issues. Her tenure also emphasized the importance of Germany's role in the European Union, influencing international relations and global policy discussions significantly.