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The Graphic Truth: Others faded, Merkel remained

Who has led in the world's largest democracies (by economic size) during Angela Merkel's tenure as German Chancellor (2005-2021)?

Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel has seen a lot during her 16 years in power. She's navigated a global economic recession, multiple wars in the Middle East which sparked an EU refugee crisis, and now a once-in-a-generation pandemic. Often the only woman in the room, Merkel has had to learn to tactfully deal with dozens of idiosyncratic world leaders. Many have come and gone since 2005, but Merkel has won elections again and again. We take a look at who she's dealt with from the top democracies (by economic size) throughout her tenure.

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REUTERS/Leonel Estrada

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