"Time" Magazine's editors choose an individual or individuals who perceive to be the most influential annually, regardless if the influential person is, or was, for good, such as Pope Francis, or for poor, such as Adolf Hitler. This year, German Chancellor Angela Merkel became Time's Person of the Year.

Merkel, the most powerful woman in the world and second most powerful person in the world according to Forbes which is the highest ranking for any woman, has portrayed herself as easygoing and judicious. She acquired the nickname 'Mutti,' or mother of the nation.

Merkel is the daughter of a Lutheran minister and teacher, and was raised in East Germany pre-the fall of the Berlin Wall. She became a successful physicist — until 1989.

In 1989, the Berlin Wall fell, and Merkel acquired a passion for politics. in 1990, she was appointed to Germany's parliament. Not even a year later she acquired her Cabinet post.

In 2005, Merkel became Germany's first female chancellor, Germany's highest office and position. She still positively holds this position.

The announcement of Merkel's win was made on NBC's "Today Show" this past Wednesday, Dec. 9. Nancy Gibbs, Time's Managing Editor, claimed the choice of Merkel's win was influenced due to her response to the economic crisis of Greece, the refugee situation and the consistent terrorist attacks that have occurred. Each time, Merkel stood up.

"No one was tested the way she was... She has stepped up in a way that was uncharacteristic, even for her," said Gibbs.


Merkel is in her third term, which has only occurred two times prior. She has been the front person of the migrant crisis, announcing Germany would allow Syrian refugees in who are attempting to escape the war zone. According to the German government, the country can have more than a million refugees at the end of this year.

Merkel is well-known to following public demand and wants and desires high public approval ratings. She is well-loved in Germany and well-respected worldwide. Time's Person of the Year: "Mutti."

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The runners-up of the Time's Person of the Year included:

Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi

The leader of the Islamic State, also known as ISIS or Daesh. Al-Baghdadi was the first runner-up.

Donald Trump

American business man and Republican candidate of the United States presidential election of 2016. Trump was the second runner-up.

Black Lives Matter

An activist movement where protestors campaign against the violence of black individuals.

Hassan Rouhani

The seventh president of Iran.

Travis Kalanick

An American entrepreneur and CEO of Uber.

Caitlyn Jenner

Formerly known as Bruce Jenner, an American television personal and retired Olympic champion.

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Do you believe Merkel deserved to win? Who else would you nominate for Time's Person of the Year?