Time magazine has named German Chancellor Angela Merkel its 2015 "Person of the Year," noting her leadership during the Syrian refugee crisis, the Greek economic bailout, currency turmoil in the European Union, and Russia’s intervention in Ukraine.
The magazine said Merkel “stepped in” every time Europe faced a serious crisis.
It said while much of the world is debating the balance between safety and freedom, Merkel is asking Germany and the rest of the world to believe that great civilizations build bridges, not walls. She says wars are won both on and off the battlefield.
Time editor Nancy Gibbs wrote Wednesday, ”Leaders are tested only when people don't want to follow"... and Merkel provides "steadfast moral leadership in a world where it is in short supply.
Merkel became Germany's first female chancellor 10 years ago and one of the leading figures of the European Union.