In power now for more than a decade, Merkel is Europe’s unquestioned senior leader. She has the sign of the horse, and hails from the country that has won more equestrian medals than any other, a great combination. Yet this year she faces the great test of any leader in a democracy: how to stay on the good side of the public for more than a decade. What does the Grand Rooster bring her? 1954 horses can expect little in the way of peace and quiet this year - while the surface may appear pleasant sailing, something unrestrained and unforeseen lurks in the depths. Medicines are contraindicated, but is this the medicine of democracy coming to put her to bed, or is it something else? Our senior Roosters remain silent.
Born: 17 July 1954
Chancellor of Germany
