Early Life

Family of Angela Merkel

Early life

Angela Merkel was born Angela Dorothea Kasner on July 17, 1954 in Hamburg, West Germany. Her father, Horst Kasner, was a Lutheran pastor, and her mother, Herlind Kasner (née Jentzsch), was a teacher of English and Latin. Merkel has two younger siblings, Marcus Kasner, a physicist, and Irene Kasner, an occupational therapist. In her childhood and youth, Merkel was known among her acquaintances as "Kasi".

Political career

Merkel joined the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in 1990, and was elected to the Bundestag (German parliament) in 1991. She served as Federal Minister for Women and Youth from 1991 to 1994, and as Federal Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety from 1994 to 1998. In 2000, she was elected CDU party leader, and became the first female leader of a major German political party.

Merkel was elected Chancellor of Germany in 2005, and was re-elected in 2009, 2013, and 2017. She is the first woman to hold the office of Chancellor, and the first Chancellor born in East Germany.

Personal life

Merkel is married to Joachim Sauer, a quantum chemist. They have no children.

Legacy

Merkel is a highly respected figure in German politics. She is known for her intelligence, pragmatism, and leadership skills. She has been a strong advocate for European integration, and has played a key role in resolving the Eurozone crisis. Merkel is also a vocal critic of Russian aggression in Ukraine.

Conclusion

Angela Merkel is one of the most influential women in the world. She is a role model for women and girls around the world, and has shown that it is possible to overcome adversity and achieve great things. Merkel's legacy will be remembered for generations to come.