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Angela Merkel is not really embarrassed about answers. She has been ruling this country for 13 years and constantly has to voice her opinion. But last year Merkel suddenly did not know what to say in a panel discussion. She pursed her lips, cradling her head-and said nothing. The question was: "Madam Chancellor, are you a feminist?"

The scene, documented in the video, shows a Chancellor squirming. When Merkel finally spoke, she gave an answer that could not have been more typical. The audience could vote yes, if she was a feminist. "I do not want to decorate myself with the feathers." Yes, what is it?

First Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany. feminist

It would be easy for Merkel to admit: yes, it's me. First Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany. Feminist.

This Merkel recently proved at a performance in Berlin, where she gave the commemorative speech on the 100th anniversary of women's suffrage. The Chancellor seemed to have solved the problem correctly when she stepped in front of the audience. There was no sense of the sincerity that resonates in her speeches. Merkel spoke of the great achievement of women's suffrage, and somehow she also had to talk about herself.

"There should even be questions as to whether or not it can become a man, which is sometimes reported to me, but I did not make up my mind," joked Merkel. The audience, mostly women, laughed.

Never before has the top policy been as feminine as it is today

Now no one becomes a feminist by being a woman. But Angela Merkel has made a difference for women in Germany, for women in politics. Never before has the top policy of the Federal Republic been as feminine as it has been today, women had so much power. They occupy ministerial posts, they lead political parties and political groups.

At the Chancellery Merkel has gathered the women around her, her closest confidants are office manager Beate Baumann and communications boss Eva Christiansen. Out of four ministerial posts, three are female. And four out of eight heads of departmental leadership hold women in the chancellery.

The Chancellor has thus created a new normal, in which it is increasingly rare: Can a woman at all? Because the woman makes it easy - and takes the questioner as little seriously as the cat's mouse, which doubts the sharpness of her claws. To push him then with velvet paws out of the way, of course.

Politically, there were also changes under Merkel, to more equality: The parental allowance was introduced, supplemented by the Elterngeld Plus, which allows families equal care of the children. There is a legal entitlement to a day-care center, which is essential if women are to have at least as many opportunities as men on the job market.

"Every woman should be able to go her own way"

"Every woman in Germany should be able to go her own way, have equal opportunities to develop her talents," Merkel said at her speech for women's suffrage.

One thing is clear: there is much to do if this is to become reality in Germany. For even if Merkel has helped women in high political positions - sitting in the Bundestag as few female MPs as in decades no longer.

That's what Merkel was all about in her speech. The women's quota is not enough to ensure equality. The Bundestag is just one example, but also in business and culture something has to change - and not just in a hundred years.

Incidentally, Merkel emphazised the crucial passage of her speech with a nod. If she had lifted her fist, it would hardly have been noticed - it would have fit. "The odds were important, but the goal must be parity, parity everywhere," the Chancellor said. Sounds almost combative for a woman who does not want to be a feminist.