POLITICO has presented a list of the most promising and influential politicians in Europe in 2025. The first place was taken by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who combined activity, willingness to break the rules and offer bold ideas.
“In less than a decade, the leader of the right-wing Brothers of Italy party has gone from being dismissed as an ultranationalist kook to being elected prime minister of Italy and establishing herself as a figure with whom Brussels, and now Washington, can do business,” POLITICO reports.
The ranking of “political figures” who will soon determine politics in Europe was headed by the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. The second place went to Russian President Vladimir Putin, and the third – to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. The new head of the European Council, António Costa, came in eighth place.
In the category of “troublemakers” who challenge the established system, the first place was given to the representative of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party and the main contender for the post of Chancellor of Germany in the next elections, Friedrich Merz.
In the category of “dreamers,” which includes politicians with new ideas and ambitions, the first line was taken by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Also on the list are Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, head of Eurodiplomacy Kaja Kallas, head of the Ukrainian president’s press service Andriy Yermak and Pope Francis.
According to POLITICO, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz previously competed for the title of Europe’s most influential politician. However, they are absent from this year’s ranking. Their influence has waned and now other leaders, often from unexpected backgrounds, are entering the scene, according to POLITICO.
