The failed invasion of Ukraine is badly damaging the image of Russia's head of state, Putin. The US magazine "Politico" therefore describes him as the biggest loser of the year among Europe's powerful. On the other hand, a German politician is counted among the big winners.
The US magazine "Politico" has named Russia's head of state Vladimir Putin "Loser" (English: "Loser") of the year among the most influential people in Europe. "His large-scale attack on Ukraine began to fail almost as quickly as it began," the statement said. And the later partial mobilization of hundreds of thousands only led to men of military age leaving the country. Instead of bringing Russia back to its former glory, Putin "threw it back to the status of a third-rate country," according to the harsh verdict.
The magazine divided its list of the 28 most influential people in Europe in 2022 into three categories: Putin appears under "The Dreamers". However, in last place. At the top of this category, however, is Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin. The magazine highlighted Finland's decision to join NATO, with Marin "defying the Kremlin's threats of 'retaliation'."
Beyond all categories, however, "Politico" named Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy "absolute number one" and "the most powerful person in Europe". With his opposition to Russia, he is one of the main reasons why Europe is currently changing and is in the process of "reassessing its strategic relationships, dealing seriously with defense and reconsidering its trade, accession and energy security policies". Significant for Zelenskyj's influence is that many European politicians traveled to Kyiv for a photo with him. "Standing by his side is what politicians crave." In the middle of the week, Time magazine named Zelenskyy Personality of the Year 2022.
A German is also well represented in the ranking: Federal Minister of Economics Robert Habeck achieved the top position in the category "The Doers" (German: "Die Macher"). The reason given is that when Russia invaded Ukraine, Europe looked to Germany - but not to Chancellor Olaf Scholz, but to 53-year-old Economics and Climate Minister Habeck.
The Green politician has overshadowed his boss as the man who "leads Europe's largest economy through the numerous war-related crises," judges "Politico". Habeck's charisma and his direct connection to the voters, for example through sometimes emotional videos in which he explains his dilemmas in simple language, have helped "consolidate his position as Germany's most popular politician". However, according to a recent Forsa survey, Habeck only ranks fourth in terms of popularity among Germans.
