Merkel Tops Forbes 2015 List of World’s Most Powerful Women

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has held on to her title as the world’s most powerful woman in the Forbes’ 2015 rating, for the tenth year running.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The US magazine gave her credit for managing to stay in power for three four-year terms, which makes her the longest-serving head of state in the European Union.

She steered the biggest European economy out of the 2008 economic crisis and helped to mediate the 2014 Ukrainian crisis together with the presidents of France and Russia.

According to Forbes, only one woman can challenge the German chancellor in 2016 – the magazine’s Number Two and US veteran politician Hillary Clinton, who is running in next year’s presidential race.

IMF chief Christine Lagarde finished sixth, followed by Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff in seventh spot. US first lady Michelle Obama brought up the rear in the Top 10 shortlist. Russia’s central bank head Elvira Nabiullina got the 71st place.

Forbes’ Top 100 list features what it regards as the most powerful women in politics, philanthropy and business based on their wealth, media representation and impact on corresponding spheres.