Merkel's journey to the top From East German pastor's daughter to the first female German chancellor: On Thursday (17.07.2014), Angela Merkel turns 60. DW looks at the life of one of the world's most powerful leaders. Bildergalerie Merkel mal anders - wir gratulieren zum 60. A woman emerges in German politics … … defying convention along the way. An East German woman lacking political connections first heads to the top of the conservative party, then becomes Germany's leader. She's been reelected twice so far and is currently serving in her ninth year as chancellor. Although childless, German writer Juli Zeh has dubbed her "Mutti" - Germany's reassuring mother. 12345678910111213

Merkel's journey to the top

From East German pastor's daughter to the first female German chancellor: On Thursday (17.07.2014), Angela Merkel turns 60. DW looks at the life of one of the world's most powerful leaders.

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  A woman emerges in German politics …

  … defying convention along the way. An East German woman lacking political connections first heads to the top of the conservative party, then becomes Germany's leader. She's been reelected twice so far and is currently serving in her ninth year as chancellor. Although childless, German writer Juli Zeh has dubbed her "Mutti" - Germany's reassuring mother.

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