Frugal, cold and boring -- those are just some of the words Germany's chancellor Angela Merkel has been called by her peers and the global press days before the German election. So how did a quiet, unassuming fraulein from a small, rural town in the former communist-ruled German Democratic Republic (GDR) become arguably the most powerful female politician of all time? While the constant chatter of fixing the Eurozone has recently abated, the Christian Democratic Union leader was a popular choice for another term with strong approval ratings thanks to securing the country's lowest unemployment rate in two decades. Upon completion of her recently won third term as chancellor, by 2016 she will become the longest-serving elected female head of government in history. The original "Iron Lady" Margaret Thatcher, who served Britain for 11 years as prime minister, currently holds this record.
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Merkel wins third term as German Chancellor after elections on Sunday
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Despite being described as frugal, cold and boring, Forbes named Merkel world's most powerful female in May
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Merkel's scientific background means she tackles problems in a calm, analytical manner
Growing up under communist rule in @placeholder would have had a strong impact on the future chancellor.