Ursula von der Leyen Leads the Charge: Top Women in the News - Week 08, 2025

Ursula von der Leyen, hailing from Germany, is ranked 1st among the top 10 most talked-about women in this week's news coverage. As the President of the European Commission, she has been a central figure in ongoing diplomatic discussions concerning the situation in Ukraine. During this period, she was prominently featured in 327 news snippets globally. Von der Leyen's involvement in peace efforts and her participation in an international summit in Kyiv have been key drivers of her media presence. These events underscore her leadership role in the European Union's response to the Ukraine conflict, as well as her collaboration with major global leaders like Emmanuel Macron to formulate strategies supporting Ukraine's security and sovereignty.

Ursula von der Leyen has also been actively involved in internal European Union matters, including addressing issues related to LGBTQ rights and migration. Reports have highlighted her firm stance on suspending funds tied to these issues, reflecting her commitment to upholding European Commission values. Additionally, her meeting with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance during the AI Action Summit in Paris has further amplified her influence in international policy discussions. Her consistent collaboration with António Costa and other EU member states for upcoming strategic decisions exemplifies her pivotal role in shaping the EU's direction during challenging times.

Von der Leyen's impact extends across numerous countries, with mentions spanning 58 nations. Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom are among the countries where she is most frequently mentioned, reflecting her significant influence within Europe. Her high reach and power scores—indicative of the millions engaged with news of her activities—emphasize her global media influence and the strategic importance of her actions on the world stage. With a sentiment score of 6.42, her portrayal in the media remains generally positive, highlighting both her leadership and diplomatic acumen during these critical times for Europe and the international community.

Ranked 2nd on this week's list of the most talked-about women, Shiri Bibas from Israel has been a focal point in the news due to the tragic events surrounding her abduction and death. Bibas was kidnapped alongside her two young sons during a 2023 attack by Hamas and became a symbol of Israel’s hostage ordeal. The recent return of her remains by Hamas, amid a mix-up and subsequent controversy, has rekindled media attention. Her story is resonating globally, with mentions in 61 different countries. Prominent coverage has appeared in Israel, the United States, and the United Kingdom, reflecting widespread international interest in her case.

The intense media coverage is driven by the emotional and political implications of her story. Shiri Bibas's tragic fate, including the brutal assassination of her children and the subsequent handling of her remains, has sparked criticism and outrage in Israel and beyond. Her case has been highlighted in speeches by significant Israeli figures, such as Prime Minister Netanyahu, emphasizing her symbolic role in the ongoing conflict and hostage crisis with Hamas. Despite the turmoil, Bibas is remembered fondly for her love and care for her family, evoking a sentiment that alternates between grief and indignation across the world. Her mention count reaches 314, underscoring her significant impact on the global news landscape during this period.

Alice Weidel, ranked 3rd on this week's list of most talked-about women, is a prominent figure in German politics and currently serves as the co-leader of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Her recent surge in news coverage is primarily due to the historic success her party achieved in the German elections. With 269 mentions across international media, Weidel has been a focal point of political discussions, especially as she expressed the AfD's readiness to engage in coalition talks and her willingness to govern alongside the CDU/CSU. Her portrayal in the media has been neutral to slightly positive, with a sentiment score of 5.61, indicating a balanced view of her political maneuvers.

This week, Alice Weidel's name appeared in news coverage across 52 countries. Germany, with 19 mentions, stands out as the country where she has been most talked about, reflecting her significant impact on the local political landscape. Other notable countries where she has been mentioned include Switzerland with 17 mentions, Russia with 16 mentions, and Croatia with 19 mentions. Weidel's influence is underscored by her substantial reach, estimated at over 19 million people, and her power rating, driven by a strategic combination of local dominance and Germany's GDP. Her role as a leader in a far-right party and her efforts to forge alliances with more mainstream political entities have kept her in the global spotlight, making her a key figure in discussions about European politics and the rise of right-wing populism.

Giorgia Meloni, the Prime Minister of Italy, ranks fourth among the most talked-about women in the news this week. Her prominence in the media is attributed to her active involvement in international and domestic political affairs. Meloni has been notably involved in discussions with the United Arab Emirates, focusing on various aspects of cooperation. Domestically, her government's decision to increase the attraction of foreign labor, despite initially campaigning against it, has drawn significant attention. Additionally, her stance on conservative politics, particularly her critique of the global political Left-wing, positions her as a key figure in shaping a new conservative movement worldwide. Meloni's involvement in these significant events and her strategic political maneuvers have kept her in the spotlight across different media platforms.

During this week, Giorgia Meloni has been mentioned in news articles across 58 countries, highlighting her global influence. The top countries where she has gained the most attention include Italy, Russia, and Luxembourg, underscoring her impact on both local and international stages. Her visit to Pope Francis during his hospitalization and her interactions with other global leaders, such as a virtual participation in CPAC and an event with Elon Musk, further emphasize her active role in current affairs. Despite facing criticism, including from former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding her relationship with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Meloni's strategic positioning and policy decisions continue to resonate widely, cementing her relevance in global news coverage.

Claudia Sheinbaum, the President of Mexico, is ranked 5th on this week's list of the most talked-about women, with 195 mentions across various international news outlets. Her prominence in the news can be attributed to multiple significant events and actions that have captured global attention. Sheinbaum is in the spotlight following her election as the President of Mexico, and her leadership is being closely watched for its potential impact on US-Mexico relations. Her stance against Trump's tariffs, which she criticized for being detrimental to both nations, has sparked discussions about a possible shift in diplomatic ties. She also drew attention by expressing her well-wishes for Pope Francis's recovery, highlighting her supportive stance towards global religious figures.

Sheinbaum's initiatives and policies have also contributed to her media presence. She has been proactive in addressing social issues, such as proposing an initiative to eradicate nepotism and leading the charge for women's rights in Mexico. Her administration's efforts to support deportees through the 'México te abraza' program, as well as her ongoing battle against drug trafficking, particularly targeting the Sinaloa Cartel, are noteworthy. Her media coverage spans across 33 countries, with the highest mentions coming from Mexico, the United States, and Guatemala. This widespread coverage underscores her influence and the global interest in her presidency. Her rank and mentions reflect her significant role in shaping both domestic and international discourse.

Angela Merkel, the former Chancellor of Germany, ranks 6th on this week's list of the most talked-about women in the news. With 149 mentions, she continues to be a significant figure in international discussions, even years after stepping down from her role. Merkel is frequently referenced in the context of the current political landscape in Germany, particularly in relation to the SPD (Social Democratic Party) and the CDU (Christian Democratic Union). Her past coalitions and policies are seen as having shaped the current dynamics within these parties. Friedrich Merz, a prominent figure in the CDU, is often mentioned as her long-time rival and is currently striving to be a different kind of leader compared to both Angela Merkel and Olaf Scholz, the current Chancellor. This comparison keeps Merkel's political legacy relevant in ongoing political discourse.

Merkel's influence extends beyond Germany, as evidenced by her mentions across 43 countries. The top countries discussing Angela Merkel include Switzerland (11 mentions), Bulgaria (12 mentions), and the United Kingdom (10 mentions). In these regions, her policies, especially regarding immigration, are subjects of debate and critique. Her tenure as Chancellor, lasting sixteen years, has left a lasting impact on European politics, which is why she remains a point of reference and comparison for current leaders. Merkel's global dominance score and reach underscore her continued relevance and the enduring interest in her political career and contributions to international politics.

Ranked 7th in this week's top 10 most talked-about women, Shakira, the renowned Colombian artist, has been making headlines due to a series of events surrounding her concert tour. Primarily, Shakira was compelled to cancel her highly anticipated concert in Medellín, Colombia, due to serious safety concerns stemming from a stage malfunction. The damaged stage roof posed significant risks, leading to the postponement of the concert, which caused a ripple effect impacting passengers and local tourism. This incident was a major talking point, especially in Colombia, where she garnered 36 mentions, making it one of the top countries discussing her in the news. Shakira's influence spans across multiple countries, with notable mentions in Peru (34 mentions) and Costa Rica (11 mentions), reflecting her widespread appeal and the global impact of her tour disruptions.

In addition to the concert issues, Shakira was also celebrated for her success at Premio Lo Nuestro 2025, where she emerged as the biggest winner, securing accolades in six categories. This recognition further cements her status as a powerhouse in the Latin music scene. Her mention in relation to her emotional expression through music, as well as a ceviche dish named 'La loba' in her honor following a controversy, also contributed to her media presence. Overall, Shakira was mentioned in 28 countries, highlighting her international reach and influence. The combination of her tour challenges and her achievements in the music industry underscore why she remains a significant figure in global news coverage.

Medea Iosava, ranked 8th on this week's list of the most talked-about women, has been prominently featured in the Georgian news landscape. With 137 mentions, her influence is largely concentrated in Georgia, where she commands a local dominance of 0.35% in the media. Medea Iosava serves as the head of the advertising department for the well-known Georgian newspaper, Resonance. Her role in the media industry, particularly in a significant capacity at a major publication, has likely contributed to her high visibility in the news. Her position implies involvement in strategic communication and advertising efforts, which might be central to recent developments or campaigns that have caught public and media attention.

Although Medea Iosava's mentions are predominantly from Georgia, her media presence has reached a global audience through her professional endeavors. This concentrated coverage in a single country highlights her local prominence but also suggests that her actions or the initiatives undertaken by Resonance might be of national importance. With a sentiment score of 6.43, she is portrayed positively in the media. Her reach, calculated at over 1.4 million, and the power score of 6002.58 further underscore her influence in shaping media narratives within Georgia. Medea's role and the attention she garners reflect the significance of media figures in shaping public discourse and the impact of strategic communication in the contemporary news environment.

Gvanca Tsulaia, from Georgia, ranks 9th on the list of the most talked-about women in the news this week, with a total of 137 mentions. Her prominence in the media landscape is largely tied to her role as the deputy chief editor of a significant internet portal. This position places her at the forefront of digital journalism in Georgia, where she has been instrumental in shaping the editorial direction and content strategies. Her continuous involvement in the media highlights the increasing importance of digital platforms in news dissemination, making her a key figure in the transformation of news consumption in Georgia.

All of Gvanca Tsulaia's mentions come from Georgia, which underscores her strong local influence and the significant role she plays in the Georgian media space. She holds a local dominance of 0.35% in the country, which is notable given the competitive nature of the media industry. With a sentiment score of 6.43, the portrayal of Gvanca Tsulaia in the media is generally positive, reflecting the respect and credibility she has earned in her field. Her reach of over 1.4 million is indicative of the broad audience that engages with the content from the portal she helps steer, highlighting her impact on the national discourse.

Tamara Aduashvili, ranked 10th on our list of the most talked-about women this week, has garnered significant attention in the news with 137 mentions. She is the head of the advertising department at the internet portal Resonance Daily, a role that places her at the forefront of media and advertising in Georgia. All of her mentions come from her home country, indicating a strong local presence and influence. With a local dominance of 0.35% in Georgia, Tamara's work in the media sector is evidently resonating with the public and the industry, leading to widespread coverage.

Although her global reach and power are relatively modest, with a reach of 1,408,546.08 and a power index of 6002.58, Tamara's influence within Georgia showcases her prominence in the local advertising and media landscape. Her sentiment score of 6.43 indicates a generally positive portrayal in the news, suggesting that her contributions to Resonance Daily are being well-received. As the head of such a crucial department, Tamara Aduashvili's strategic decisions and leadership in media advertising are likely driving the interest and mentions she is receiving this week.