Ursula von der Leyen Named World’s Most Powerful Woman for Second Year Running

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has been named the world’s most powerful woman for the second year running, according to Forbes.

The German politician, who has held the post since 2019, finished ahead of European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde, US Vice President Kamala Harris, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

This year’s list also includes Melinda Gates, the philanthropist and former wife of Microsoft founder Bill Gates, in 10th place, and GlaxoSmithKlein chief executive Emma Walmsley, who is the highest-placed British entrant in 15th place.

The make-up of the list reflects what Forbes calls the “complex picture of women’s influence in a volatile world.”

Earlier this year, the US publisher said, “political leaders Sanna Marin, Jacinda Ardern and Nicola Sturgeon either lost or relinquished their jobs overseeing Finland, New Zealand and Scotland.”

Susan Wojcicki stepped down as YouTube CEO after nine years at the helm, and Martina Merz, the chief executive of German conglomerate Thyssenkrupp, also stepped down.

“Every one of them was replaced by a man,” Forbes said.

Taylor Swift, who is reported to have earned $850m (£673m) from her record-breaking Eras world tour, is in fifth place.

The singer, 33, became a billionaire in the process and filled the coffers of US states to the tune of $5bn (£4bn).