Women Who Rule

THE OUTSIDER: Angela Merkel, 52 chancellor of Germany; elected November 22, 2005

OUTSIDER STATUS: Merkel was raised in East Germany, making her both the first woman and the first East German (after reunification) to run the country.

REGRETTABLE BEAUTY TREATMENT: She was late to the fall of the actual Wall, due to a standing weekly appointment at the sauna.

NICKNAME: The Girl—bestowed by then-chancellor Helmut Kohl. Fortunately, he also named her minister of family affairs, senior citizens, women, and youth affairs, and later minister of environment, conservation, and reactor safety before they had a political falling out.<

CAMPAIGN PLEDGES: To tackle unemployment, revamp the welfare state, and back proposals for 10 months of paid leave for one new parent, two months for the other.

BALLSY REBUFF: Merkel famously shrugged off President Bush with a “paws off ” grimace when he gave her an uninvited shoulder massage at the G8 Summit this past July.

WHY SHE MATTERS: She’s the key link between the U.S. and Iran in the effort to persuade the latter to rein in its nuclear program. Has had tête-à-têtes with Bush (twice), Vladimir Putin, and Chinese premier Wen Jiabao—all during her first six months in office.

WHO WOULD PLAY HER IN THE MOVIE: 30 Rock’s Rachel Dratch (or how about Helen Mirren?)

NICKNAME: Iron Lady

FUN FACT: Though married to a chemistry professor, Merkel has a crush on Dustin Hoffman.