The Independent takes a look at Angela Merkel:

bq. Ms Merkel is a phenomenon. She is a woman at the helm of a major party in a political culture that is even more male-dominated than our own. And she is an Ossi – an East German – who has successfully made the transition into the upper echelons of united Germany’s still west-dominated political hierarchy. That is a remarkable achievement in itself.

…

bq. Is she the German Thatcher? “Well, there is one important difference,” she shoots back with a smile. “I was in favour of German reunification. She was a chemist, I am a physicist.” Then, more reflectively, she adds: “My whole life was changed by reunification. I have experienced change as something good, not something to be avoided.”