For the first time in 29 years, Time Magazine's 'Person of the Year' is a woman. The honor was given to German chancellor Angela Merkel. Her leadership in the face of numerous challenges this year in Europe were factors in her winning the award.

Merkel's leadership has come under fire by some, especially after Germany opened it's doors to refugees from Syria and other countries. Hundreds of thousands have found shelter in the country, despite objections from the far right. She has ralled with Muslim leaders in her country, and even after terrorist attacks in Paris, the door for refugees remains open.

Merkel was also a leading figure in the Greece debt crisis that threatened all of Europe's financial system. She wouldn't back down, and ensured that Greece would pay back all of it's debt.

The last woman to appear alone on Time's POTY cover was Phillipine President Corazon Aquino in 1986.

 

[via TIME]

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