Merkel joined her party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), a center-right party when Germany was first reunited. She served as the Minister of Women and Youth (1991–94), Minister for Environment (1994–98), and the CDU Chair (2000-2018). She won her first term as a Chancellor in 2005 and won three subsequent campaigns in 2009, 2013, and 2018. For comparison, Merkel has continued to lead Germany through four US Presidents, five UK Prime Ministers, four French Presidents, and seven Italian PMs. Merkel’s years in leadership were marked by financial, institutional, immigration, and public health crises. Despite the tumultuous times, she has continued to symbolize stability and sanity for Germany and the world. As of January 2021, "Statistica" reported 84% approved of Angela Merkel’s overall leadership and work as Chancellor Merkel will leave her office with a legacy of consistently thoughtful leadership, giving Germany a favorable position in the new world order, being the first female and first East German elected as Chancellor. The following section will detail Merkel’s political image.