Germany’s Angela Merkel tops Forbes list of most powerful women

For the fourth time, German Chancellor Angela Merkel is on top of the Forbes list of most powerful women.

Merkel, 57, is called the European Union’s “undisputed” leader, and Forbes credits Germany with often bailing out its weaker neighbours.

U.S. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, 63, came in second, with Forbes citing rumours she’s after the top job at the World Bank.

The third spot went to Brazilian president Dilma Rousseff. After a prominent political past that included a two-year jail term, Rousseff, 63, was elected in October. Forbes says she’s threatening to “halt her agenda and Brazil’s economic boom” in her battle against a rebellious National Congress.

Other notable women in the top ten include the COO of Facebook, Sheryl Sandberg. She’s at the number five spot.

Philanthropist Melinda Gates, 47, comes in at the number six spot. Forbes states that in 2010, her charity with husband Bill, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, gave away $2.5 billion.

U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama, 47, makes the list in the eighth slot. Forbes says she’s more popular than her husband President Barack Obama, with an approval rating around 70 per cent.

Forbes named Michelle Obama the most powerful woman in 2010.

The CEOs of Pepsi and Kraft Foods also made the top 10, as well as Christine Lagarde, the managing director of the International Monetary Fund and India’s Sonia Gandhi.

No Canadian women made the list.

Click here to see the entire list.

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