Angela Merkel, who has been serving as Germany’s chancellor since 2005, will be stepping down from her position after serving for 16 years. Merkel made significant contributions to her homeland during her time in office, which will leave a profound imprint on German history, politics, and society.

Merkel’s leadership style, known as “Merkelism,” was marked by a pragmatic approach to politics, consensus-building, and shrewd calculation. She eschewed grandstanding and confrontation for incremental steps and consultation, which appealed to the German electorate and helped her win four consecutive national elections.

One of Merkel’s most significant contributions to German politics was her handling of the 2008 global financial crisis. Merkel resisted pressure to bail out banks and opted for a more measured approach, which helped avoid a catastrophic collapse of the German financial system. Her stewardship of the German economy during the crisis helped maintain the country’s status as Europe’s leading economy.

Another defining moment of Merkel’s leadership was her handling of the 2015 migration crisis. Facing an influx of refugees fleeing war and persecution in the Middle East and North Africa, Merkel took the bold decision to open Germany’s doors to these refugees, defying the objections of many of her European counterparts. Her compassionate response to the crisis earned her praise from many quarters but also contributed to a backlash among some German citizens, leading to the rise of far-right forces in the country.

Throughout her tenure, Merkel championed liberal democratic values, human rights, and the rule of law, which she saw as the bedrock of free societies. Merkel’s steadfast commitment to these values made her a respected and revered figure on the global stage, where she lent her voice to many issues, including climate change, democracy, and human rights.

However, Merkel’s legacy was not without controversy. Her government’s handling of the Greek debt crisis was criticized for its harsh austerity measures, which were seen by many as punishing the Greek people for the sins of their politicians. Her approach to China was also seen as overly accommodating, leading to accusations that Germany prioritized economic interests over human rights and democracy.

Furthermore, Merkel’s legacy is likely to be overshadowed by her handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her government’s slow and hesitant response to the crisis drew sharp criticism, with many accusing her of failing to take decisive action to contain the virus’s spread.

Nonetheless, Merkel’s contributions to German politics and society cannot be overstated. She proved to be a formidable leader who steered her country through some of the most significant challenges of the 21st century. As she steps down, Merkel leaves behind a deeply divided Europe, an uncertain world, and a legacy that will be remembered for many years to come.