ANGELA MERKEL: World's most Powerful Lady!

Angela Merkel is presently serving as Chancellor of Germany since 2005. She is the first female to serve this position in German history. She has been awarded with 'most powerful leader' as well as 'world's most powerful lady' and several other titles. Let us get into her personal, professional life to learn more about her.
EARLY LIFE:
Angela Merkel's full name is Angela Dorothea Merkel. She was born on 17 July 1954 in Hamburg, West Germany. When she was infant, her family moved to East Germany.

Her father was Horst Kasner, who was Lutheran pastor. He was the native of Berlin. Her mother's name was Herlind, who was polish and a teacher of English and Latin. Angela Merkel has two younger siblings.

Angela Merkel's real name is Angela Dorothea Kasner before marriage.
Angela's grandparents were catholic but they changed to Lutheranism during her father's childhood. In 1954, When Angela was three months old, her father got a pastor in church, which was in East Germany, her family moved from West Germany to Templin, East Germany.
In 1968, Merkel joined Free German Youth(FDJ) , which was official communist movement by Socialist Unity Party of Germany.
EDUCATION:
From 1973 to 1978, Angela studied at Karl Marx University, Leipzig in Physics. When she was a student, she participated in rebuilding the ruined Moritzbastei, a project initiated by students to build clubs and recreational activities in campus. Such movement were not regular but this movement was backed by local leadership of SED party.

When she was in school, she learned Russian. She had received awards for fluency in Russian and Mathematics.
From 1978 to 1980, Angela Merkel studied and worked at Central Institute for Physical Chemistry of the Academy of Sciences in Berlin-Adlershof. At Academy of Sciences, she became member of its FDJ secretariat. In 1986, she has been awarded with Doctorate for her theses in Quantum Chemistry. Then, she worked as researcher and published several papers. She also participated in multi language course at Donetsk.
START OF POLITICAL CAREER:

When fall of Berlin wall took place in November 1989, Angela joined growing democracy movement by joining Democracy Awakening party. The party eventually merged into East German Christian Democratic Union, which finally merged with its counter parts in West Germany.
In 1990 federal election, Merkel stood for election to Bundestag from the constituency of Stalsund-Nordvorpommern-Rugen in north Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. After winning elections, she was appointed by chancellor Helmut Kohl to serve in Ministry of Women and Youth in the federal cabinet. She got political visibility, when she was appointed to serve in Ministry for the Environment and Nuclear Safety.
BECOMING LEADER OF OPPOSITION:

After the defeat of CDU in 1998 federal elections, Merkel became Secretary-General of CDU. Following the party funding scandal, many leading figures compromised. Merkel criticized them publicly and told for a fresh start. She became the first ever female leader of CDU on 10 April 2000. In 2001, Friedrich Merz made clear to become the challenger of then chancellor Gerhard Schroder. Merkel also wanted to become the challenger but lacked support from her own party members.

Merkel and CDU-CSU supported the invasion of Iraq war. In 2002, she became the leader of opposition in Bundestag.
She supported reforms for Germany's economy and social system.

She also favored changes in labor laws. She also favored transatlantic relations and friendly German-America friendship. She also criticized accession of Turkey to European Union rather she supported privileged partnership.
BECOMING CHANCELLOR FOR FIRST TIME:

On 30 May 2005, Merkel won the nomination for challenger to chancellor Gerhard Schroder from CDU-CSU in 2005 federal elections. She gained momentum after declaring that she would appoint Paul Kirchhoff, former judge at German Constitutional Court and leading fiscal policy expert as Minister of Finance. Paul introduced flat tax, which undermined Merkel's chances to win elections. This was compounded by Merkel's proposal to increase VAT. On 18 September 2005, federal elections took place. CDU/CSU won election with 35.2% votes and SPD got second highest votes (34.2%).

The result was so close that both the parties claimed for victory.

Neither of the coalition have majority to form government except grand coalition of CDU/CSU with SPD. Both parties demanded for chancellorship but after three weeks of negotiations, it was decided that Merkel will be chancellor of Germany while SPD would hold 8 of 16 seats in cabinet.
WORK DONE BY ANGELA MERKEL AS CHANCELLOR OF GERMANY:

After coalition between CDU/CSU with SPD was confirmed on 14 November 2005, Merkel was appointed as Chancellor of Germany on 22 November 2005.
Public spending was cut with increase in VAT, social insurance contribution, top rate of income tax. The main aim of Merkel's government is to reduce unemployment.
In 2009, she was reelected and formed a government in coalition with FDP. In this term, European Crises occurred. In September 2013, she was again reelected but again grand coalition with SPD occured because FDP failed to achieve 5% votes, which is minimum criteria to form coalition in Bundestag.

In 2017, CDU/CSU as well as SPD got less number of votes as compared to 2013 elections. President Frank-Walter Steinmeier appealed both parties to again form coalition. Hence, in 2017 third grand coalition took place.
DOMESTIC REFORMS:

Angela has been constantly working to reduce unemployment in Germany. She has also come up with many reforms in health sector. She has been also focusing on future energy development in Germany. She also reformed migration policies.
IMMIGRATION POLICY:
Angela Merkel has told that immigrant must integrate and adopt German's culture and values. The debates over level of immigration and its effects on Germany along with integration of Muslim immigrants with German society increased.

MIGRATION POLICY:

In late August 2015,

Merkel has announced to process asylum applications of Syrian refugees who are coming through other EU countries. In that year abound 1.1 million asylum seekers entered into Germany.
FOREIGN POLICY:

Angela Merkel is considered as de facto leader of European Union. She has focused on strengthening international trade agreements and European cooperation. She worked for strengthening transatlantic relations. She has also signed agreement of transatlantic economic council on 30 April 2007 at White House. She has good relations with US presidents George W Bush and Barack Obama. On 25 September 2007, Merkel meet 14th Dalai Lama for "Private and Informal talks".

In 2006, she had raised concern on overreliance on Russian energy. Merkel favors Association Agreement of Ukraine with European Union but also stated that it will depend on Ukraine's policies. Merkel also supported Israel over it's right to defend itself on Israel-Gaza conflict 2014. Merkel also considered China as important element for Germany's economy. In June 2017, she criticized US sanctions on Russia over EU-Russia energy project.
MERKEL AND INDIA:

In 2008, Angela Merkel visited India and signed agreements to strengthen the relation between both the nations in the field of Science & Technology, Commerce, Defense. In 2013, She visited India or second India-Germany Intergovernmental Consultation at New Delhi. In 2015, she visited India for third India-Germany Intergovernmental Consultations. In 2008, Indian navy conducted a joint exercise with German navy. Narendra Modi visited Germany in 2018.
ANGELA MERKEL ON BREXIT:

Angela Merkel has stated that Britain has to bear with consequences after Brexit. Britain will have weaker economic ties with European Union after Brexit.
INTERNATIONAL STATUS:
She has been termed as world's most powerful lady and second most powerful person. On 26 March 2014, she became the longest serving incumbent head of government in EU. In 2017, Hillary Clinton stated Angela as most important leader of fresh world. She is currently senior leader of G7. In 2018 survey, it was mentioned that she is the most respected leader internationally.
RESIGNATION PLAN:
In October 2018, Angela Merkel announced to stand down as party leader and would not seek fifth term as chancellor of Germany in 2021.
PERSONAL LIFE:

In 1977, at the age of 23 Angela Kasner married to Ulrich Merkel and took his surname. The couple got divorced in 1982. She married to Professor Joachim Sauer, who was quantum chemist. They both met each other in 1981 and got married secretly on 30 December 1998. She has no children but Sauer had two children from previous marriage.
RELIGION:
Angela Merkel is said to be a member of evangelical church. She believes in god and consider Christians to be not afraid for standing for their believes.
HONOURS AND AWARDS:

1. She has been awarded with national as well as foreign honors. She has received awards from countries like Germany, Austria, Bulgaria, India, Israel, Israel, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Peru, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, United States of America, Slovakia.
2. She has received Doctorates from various universities
   
   like Hebrew University of Jerusalem in 2007, Leipzig University in 2008, Radboud University Nijmegen in 2013, University of Szeged in 2013, Comenius University in Bratislava in 2014, University of Bern in 2015, University of Helsinki in 2017, Harvard University in 2019 etc.
3. In 2006, Merkel was awarded with vision for Europe award towards her contribution for European integration.
4. She has also topped Forbes magazine's list of 'World's 100 most powerful women' in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019.
5. On 16 June 2010, Merkel has been awarded with Global Leadership Award for her work in strengthening German-American relations.
   
6. On 21 September 2010, Merkel was awarded with Leo Baeck Medal.
7. On 31 May 2011, She was awarded with Jawaharlal Nehru award for 2009 from the Indian government.
8. In 2012, she was ranked second in Forbes list of world's most powerful people.
9. On 29 November 2012, she was awarded with Heinz Galinski Award in Berlin, Germany.
10. In 2013, she was awarded with Indira Gandhi Peace Prize.
11. In December 2015, she was named as person of the year by Time's magazine.
    
12. In May 2016, She was awarded with International Four Freedoms Award from the Roosevelt foundation in Middleburg, the Netherlands.
13. In 2017, She recieved the Elie Wiesel award from the United states Holocaust Memorial Museum.

FAVORITES OF ANGELA MERKEL:

1. Favorite Sports: Angela Merkel like Football. She also visit to watch her national team's gameplay sometimes.
2. Favorite Movie: The Legend of Paul and Paula (released in 1973).
3. Favorite food: Hungarian vegetable stew called Letcho and a meat and pickled vegetable soup known as Solyanka.
4. Favorite color: Blue
5. Dream tourist place: Hawaii
6. She fears from thunderstorm and dogs after she was attacked by a dog in 1995.
   
7. She was also sometime seen shaking while speaking on the stage. Afterwards, she cleared that it may be because of dehydration.

NICKNAMES:

Angela Merkel was called as "Kasi" due to her surname Kasner. She was also called sometimes as "Angie".

SOMETHING MORE ABOUT ANGELA MERKEL:

Coronavirus infections accelerate in Germany again as lockdown is eased

ANGELA MERKEL ON CORONAVIRUS

Coronavirus: 70% of population likely to be infected, experts tell Angela Merkel

Angela Merkel says ‘hard evidence’ she was target of Russian hackers

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BENJAMIN NETANYAHU: A Self Motivated Soul!

Benjamin Netanyahu, currently serving as 9th Prime Minister of Israel. A pass out from MIT and youngest Prime Minister of Israel. He is the longest serving and first Prime Minister to be born on the lands of Israel after establishment of state. He has been serving as Prime Minister of Israel from 2009 and previously from 1996-99. Let us get into his life and find out everything about his personal, professional life.
EARLY LIFE:

He was born on 21 October 1949. He was born in  secular Jewish family. His father was Warsaw born. His father name is Prof. Benzion Netanyahu (1910-2012). His mother was from Jerusalem and her name is Tzila Segal (1912-2000). He was born at Tel Aviv, Israel.

He was 2nd out of 3 children. By DNA test, it was confirmed that he is from Sephardi Jewish Ancestry. He has been raised in Jerusalem and Philadelphia state of USA. He has been obedient, active, brave, cheerful, disciplined, friendly, punctual, responsible, helpful, polite and courteous.
Between 1956-58 and 1963-67, he lived in Philadelphia state of USA, where his father was professor in Dropsie College. He used to visit Temple Judea of Philadelphia. He is very good in English. He was active in several clubs including chess, soccer and debate.
After returning to Israel from 1967 from USA after completing high school, he served in Israel defense forces for 5 years.
EDUCATION:

When he was in Jerusalem, he studied in Henrietta Szold Elementary school. When he moved to USA, he studied in Cheltenham High School. After serving in Defense forces, in 1972, he again moved to USA, where he got enrolled into Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to study architecture.

In 1973, he has to again return to Israel to serve in Yom Kippur war. After participating in war, he again returned to USA and again admitted into MIT under name, Ben Nitay. He completed his Bachelors in architecture in February 1975. He completed masters in June 1976 from MIT Sloan school of management. He wanted to to go for Doctorate too, but his studies got break due to his brother's death. 
MILITARY LIFE:

He joined Israel defense forces immediately after Six-day war. He was head of special force unit, Sayeret Matkal. He had participated in Operation Gift (1968) and Operation Isotope (1972). He also participated in War of Attrition and Yom Kippur war in 1973. He raided along Suez Canal and then attacked deep into Syrian territory against Egyptian forces. He was also shot on his shoulder while on one of the operation. He was having a rank of Captain while discharging from defense forces.
PROFESSIONAL LIFE:

He has served as economic consultant at Boston Consulting Group in between 1976-78. In 1978, Benjamin returned to Israel and established Yonatan Netanyahu Anti-Terror Institute in the remembrance of his brother' killing during Operation Entebbe. His brother was killed during Operation Entebbe. His brother was commander of unit in which Benjamin served and he was on counter terrorism operation at Entebbe airport, Uganda. During that operation, more than 100 people were rescued.
ENTRY INTO POLITICS:

Between 1978-80, he was busy in setting up Anti-Terror institute. Between 1980-82, he became the director of Rim industries during which he came in connection with several politicians. Moshe Arens, one of the ministers, appointed him as Deputy Chief of Mission at Israeli Embassy in Washington D C from 1982-84. Between 1984-88, he was deployed as Israeli ambassador at United Nations.

During his stay in New York, he became friend of Fred Trump (Father of Donald Trump). Prior to 1988 Israeli legislative elections, Benjamin retuned to Israel and joined 'LIKUD'. At internal elections of Likud, Benjamin was ranked fifth of the party list. He was the member of 12th Knesset.

He was appointed as Deputy of foreign minister Moshe Arens and later of David Levy. With David, Benjamin's relation was not good and it got intensified with time. During Gulf war of 1991, he was appointed as official spokesperson of Israel to CNN and other media platforms. During Madrid Conference 1991, he was a member of Israeli delegation, which was headed by Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir, after which he became Deputy minister in the Israeli's Prime Minister's Office. In 1992, Likud lost in elections. Netanyahu won internal elections of Likud after 1992 election against Benny Begin.
FIRST TIME AS PRIME MINISTER:

After assassination of Yitzhak  Rabin, his successor Shimon Peres called early elections. On 26 May 1996, elections took place. It was the first election in which people elected their Prime Minister. Shimon Peres lost the elections due to several suicide bombings before elections. Hence, Netanyahu won in elections. After becoming Prime Minister, suicide bombing continued.

The responsibility of suicide bombing of bombings was taken by Hamas. Netanyahu also opposed Oslo Accords. In 1996, along with Mayor Ehud Olmert opened decide to open exit in the Arab Quarter for the Western Wall Tunnel. On 4 September 1996, he met Palestine president Yasser Arafat. On 14 January 1997,  Hebron Protocol was signed. After Hebron Protocol, redeployment of Israeli forces in Hebron. In 1998, Wye River Memorandum was signed between Netanyahu and PLA leader Yasser Arafat to promote peace talks.

It was passed in Knesset on 17 November 1998. In 1997 , Mossad undertook the operation to kill Hamas leader, Khaled Mashal in Jordan.  Benjamin Netanyahu worked to liberalize the market. He also promoted selling share in banks and major state run companies. He also greatly eased Foreign Exchange Policy, allowing Israelis to have accounts in other countries and, move money out of the countries. Left wing always opposed Netanyahu. Right wing started opposing Netanyahu because of his support to Palestine in Hebron. Among Israeli public, Netanyahu had lost his support due to number of cases for corruption by Israeli police over him.
DEFEAT IN 1997 ELECTION:
In 1999, Netanyahu lost in election. Ehud Barak won the election. He temporarily retired from politics and joined as senior consultant at BATM advanced communication for two years. In 2000, after downfall of Ehud Barak, Netanyahu insisted to conduct General assembly election to have stable government. After elections, Ariel Sharon was made Prime Minister, who was less popular than Netanyahu at that time. In 2002, after Israel Labor Party left the coalition, the post for Foreign Minister got empty.

Ariel Sharon appointed Netanyahu as new Foreign Minister. In 2003 legislative assembly election, Netanyahu was designated with Ministry of Finance. Some also believe Sharon's this step as a political threat due efficiency of Netanyahu as Foreign Minister. The economy of Israel was not stable, which will defame Netanyahu but Netanyahu's policies worked to provide momentum to economy. He worked for more liberal economy. Regulations over public sector were also made ease. He reduced the size of public sector. Taxation system was also streamlined. The debt to GDP ratio reduced. Foreign investment increased. Unemployment ratio was at lowest of all times. Netanyahu proposed to resign from office due to Gaza pullout. On 7 August 2005, he submitted his resignation.
BECOMING LEADER OF 'LIKUD' AGAIN:

After Sharon's withdrawal from Likud, Netanyahu was the most preferred candidate to become the leader of Likud. He got 47% votes. In 2006 elections, Likud got third highest votes after Kadima and labor party. Netanyahu served as leader of opposition. On 14 August 2007, Netanyahu got 73% votes to become the leader of Likud and candidate for Prime Minister.
BECOMING PRIME MINISTER FOR SECOND TIME:
Likud won second highest number of seats in the elections after Kadima. Tzipi Livini of Kadima declined to form coalition. Likud formed coalition with Labor party. He presented "Vote of Confidence" on 31 March 2009 and formed 32nd government with approved majority of 69.

After coming into office, he lifted checkpoints at west bank for free movement and free flow of trade. This step was to boost the economy. He also look for Arab peace initiative. He left office on 7 September 2009. According to reports, he have been to Russia to stop Russia from giving S-300 missile launch system to Iran.

On 24 September 2009 , at UNGA, New York, he mentioned Iran as threat and no nuclear weapons should be provided or allow Iran to build nuclear technology. On 25 November 2009, 10- month settlement Freeze plan was made. In March 2010, 1600 additional apartments in a large Jewish housing development in Northern East Jerusalem called as Ramat Shlomo.

In September 2010, Obama mediated talks between Israel and Palestine.

Israeli government was active is pressing Obama administration to release Jonathan Pollard. Protests regarding high cost of living in Israel took place. Trajtenberg committee was set up, which submitted it's report in 2011. Fiber optic was laid down to provide cheap and fast internet for every house. Netanyahu and his foreign minister Avigdor Lieberman decided to merge their respective parties to fight general election on 22 January 2013.
BECOMING PRIME MINISTER FOR THIRD TIME:

In 2013 elections,  Shimon Peres (President) gave a charge to Netanyahu to form 33rd government after winning election. He made coalition with Yesh Atid, The Jewish Home and Hatnuah party. He continued with economic liberalization . In December 2013, the Knesset approved Business Concentration Law. He also came up with privatization of ports.

In July 2013, tenders for construction of private ports at Haifa and Ashdod. In April 2014, Netanyahu was critical for Hamas and Palestine and formed a unity government. In June 2014, massive search and arrest operation was carried out at west banks especially against Hamas. Several missile attacks were done in this span. In October 2014, privatization plan was approved to reduce corruption and politisation in government companies. On 2nd December 2014, two of his ministers were fired. 

BECOMING PRIME MINISTER FOR FOURTH TIME:

In 2015 elections, Benjamin Netanyahu formed government in coalition with Jewish Home, Kulanu and Shas. In August 2015, two year budget was introduced. There were reforms regarding agriculture, lowering import duties, deregulation of approval process in construction to speed up the building of infrastructure, lower fees for financial service.

On 6 June 2017, Israeli government withdrawal its annual dues from the organization which totaled around 6 billion USD  criticizing UN resolution and Kerry's speech. In February 2017,  Benjamin became the first PM to visit Australia.. In April 2018, he accused Iran for not holding up its end of Iran nuclear deal. He also praised North Korea- USA summit.

INVESTIGATION BY ISRAEL POLICE:
In June 2017, he was investigated by Israeli police for taking favor from businessmen, including James Packer and Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan. 

On 3 August 2017, Israeli police confirmed for the first time that Netanyahu was suspected of crimes involving fraud, breach of trust, and bribes in cases "1000" and "2000". The case for corruption over Benjamin was also recommended by Israel police to be charged on him. Netanyahu's criminal trial is set to begin on 24 May 2020, having been initially scheduled for March of that year but delayed due to COVID-19.

BECOMING PRIME MINISTER FOR FIFTH TIME:
On 17 May 2020, Netanyahu swear in as Prime Minister for fifth time in coalition with Benny Gantz.
COUNTER TERRORISM VIEWS:

Benjamin Netanyahu published three books for counter terrorism. He identifies terrorism as totalitarianism. He advises tighter immigration laws in view for counter terrorism.
LGBT RIGHTS:
Netanyahu view LGBT people equally as normal people. All the laws and rights should be provided equally to LGBT people in view of Benjamin Netanyahu.
NATIONAL SECURITY:

Under Netanyahu, the Israeli National Security Council has seen an expanded role in foreign policy planning and decision-making. He has also worked against illegal immigration. 'Prevention of infiltration' law was passed in 2012 to automatically detain whosoever entered in Israel without permission.
ECONOMIC VIEWS:

He promotes ideology of 'free market'. He has come up with many reforms in banking sector. He has removed restrictions over investment abroad. He promotes privatization. He reduced the size of public sector.. He reformed and made taxation system of the country more streamlined. He has reduced monopoly in the market and increased fair competition in the market.
RELATION WITH FOREIGN LEADERS:

1. He is in close relationship with Hungarian PM Victor Orban due to relationship between Likud and EPP (European People's Party).
2. He has very friendly relation with Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi.
   
3. He has very good relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
4. He has very old relations with US president Donald Trump.
5.  He has good relations with Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro.

RELATION WITH INDIA:

India and Israel share economic, military and strategic relations. India is the largest buyer of Israeli military equipment. Israel is India's second largest defense partner after Russia. Between 1999-2009, the military business between two nation has been around 9 billion USD. India and Israel also share relation over counter terrorism. They share intelligence reports with each other.

MARRIAGE AND RELATIONSHIPS:

Benjamin Netanyahu has 3 marriages. He was first married to Miriam Weizmann.

They had a daughter named Noa. In 1981, Netanyahu married British girl, Fleur Cates. He got divorced in 1984. He then married Sara Ben- Artzi. She was a flight attendant in EI AI flight from New York to Israel. They have two boys. Yair and Avner.

In 1993, on a television show it was confirmed Netanyahu had affairs with Ruth Bar, his public relation advisor. He was also in friendship with Italian-American women Katherine price- mondadori.

BOOKS WRITTEN:

1. International Terrorism: Challenge and Response.
2.  Terrorism: How the West Can Win. Avon. 1987. 
3. A Durable Peace: Israel and Its Place Among the Nations.
4. Fighting Terrorism: How democracies can defeat domestic and international Terrorism.

FAVORITES:

1. Favorite Poet: Hayim Nahman Bialik.
   
2. Favorite Books: The five forefathers of Zunaism, The rise of nuclear Iran- How Iran defies the west?, Advice to war residents.
3. Favorite food: Pistachio flavored Ice cream (On average 14 kg Ice Cream per week)

LATEST:

Israel was reported to gain success in making vaccine against COVID-19. Benjamin Netanyahu also followed Indian's way of saying hello, 'NAMASTE' to others, by joining both hands with each other to follow social distancing. 

NICKNAME:

The nickname of Benjamin Netanyahu is 'Bibi.

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