Europe's most important politician has continued to rank first in recent years because of his successful management of the crisis. However, according to the magazine, he will face very tough competition next time.

“(Merkel) has many worries at the moment: migrants in the Mediterranean, Russian sanctions, the domestic spy scandal, the stability of the eurozone or the downing of the Germanwings plane – to name just a few burning issues. “One thing he certainly doesn't think about, but we do, is that after next year's US election, he will probably lose his title for the first time since 2010 to a woman who has a real chance of becoming world 'leader',” Forbes wrote, referring to Clinton's rise in ratings this year, which would almost certainly catapult her into first place if she enters the White House.

The former US Secretary of State, who has been one of the few women among the 100 most influential women since the ranking was first published in 2004, rose from sixth to second last year.

The other places in the top ten are mostly occupied by women working in companies or the economy. The third is American entrepreneur Melinda Gates, wife of Microsoft founder Bill Gates. The head of the US central bank, Janet Yellen, was in fourth place, GM automaker CEO Mary Barra was in fifth place, and the head of the International Monetary Fund, Christine Lagarde, was in sixth place.

After Merkel and Clinton, Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff is the seventh most influential female politician. However, according to the ranking, its influence weakens from year to year.

Facebook executive Sheryl Sandberg, YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki and US first lady Michelle Obama rounded out the top ten.

According to the magazine, the world's one hundred most influential women include eight heads of state, including newly elected Polish Prime Minister Ewa Kopaczová, 24 heads of major companies, and a $15 billionaire.

TV presenter and celebrity Oprah Winfrey is in 12th place – the magazine estimates her personal fortune at three billion dollars (75 billion crowns).

The youngest woman in the top 100 is American country singer Taylor Swift at number 64, who first appeared in this ranking at the age of 25. American singer Beyoncé Knowles became the highest-ranking woman in entertainment, ranking 21st according to Forbes.