Angela Merkel tops Forbes most-powerful women list, again; FM Nirmala Sitharaman stands at 34th spot

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has topped Forbes' list of world's most-powerful women for the ninth year running. The publication, which annually compiles a list of influential women leaders from around the world in politics, business and entertainment, hailed Merkel for her steely reserve.
The 65-year-old was praised for standing up to US President Donald Trump and for allowing over a million Syrian refugees into Germany.

Following Merkel was Christine Lagarde, president of the European Central Bank. Lagarde, who earlier served as MD of the International Monetary Fund, rose to the second spot in the list after standing at number 22 last year on the same list.

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, too, found a spot on Forbes' list. She stood at number 34, ranking ahead of Queen Elizabeth II, who is at number 40, and Ivanka Trump, who stood at number 42.



Environmentalist Greta Thunberg, who was recently named Time's Person of the Year, stood at the 100th spot on Forbes' list.



In 2018, Merkel topped the Forbes list for the impact she had as a leader on Christian Democratic Union, and for her work as a chancellor.