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Merkel has freed leadership from masculine yoke

Angela Merkel

German Chancellor Angela Merkel holds her annual summer press conference on national and international topics at the house of the Federal Press Conference (Bundespressekonferenz) on July 22, 2021 in Berlin. 


 

Photo credit: AFP

What you need to know:

  • Merkel’s choice to let her feminine side dominate was a breath of fresh air.
  • Empathy, compassion and humility are the traits that made Merkel stand out. 

One of my favourite pictures of outgoing German Chancellor Angela Merkel captures her staring at former US President Donald Trump, hands on the table in front of her. Trump is seated with arms crossed listening to what seems like a stern conversation with Merkel.

Other world leaders such as Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, British Prime Minister Theresa May (who is only recognisable by her hair) and French President Emmanuel Macron are standing next to Chancellor Merkel listening in, making her the centre of the photograph, a significant display of power. The photo was taken on June 9, 2018 during the G7 Summit in Canada.