Women Taking Over the EU - 2 of The Most Powerful Women in the World

European Commission elects Ursula von der Leyen

first female president

By Danielle Haynes

German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen is a member of the center-right European People's Party. File Photo by Ron Sachs/UPI | License Photo

(UPI) -- The European Commission on Tuesday elected Ursula von der Leyen, of Germany, to be the first woman to lead the bloc in its 61-year history.

Von der Leyen replaces outgoing President Jean-Claude Juncker, whose five-year term comes to an end in October. The German defense minister earned 383 votes, nine more than the absolute majority required.

The European Commission is the executive branch of the European Union.

Van der Leyen has been heavily criticised for the significant deterioration of the German military. She was nominated by Frau Merkel. One wonders if it was a joke?

Nigel Farage was horrified at her election, calling her fanatical, communist, and devoted to centralization of power in the EU.

Christine Lagarde resigns from International Monetary Fund

To Lead European Central Bank

By Danielle Haynes

Christine Lagarde will take on her new duties with the European Central Bank in November. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo

(UPI) -- International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde submitted her resignation Tuesday to take on a new role as president of the European Central Bank.

The French economist replaces outgoing ECB President Mario Daghi, who completes his eight-year term in October.

Legarde seems to have done a credible job leading the IMF. She has been listed in the top 5 most powerful women in the world for at least 5  years now. It will be interesting to see if she can work with Van der Leyen.