Angela Merkel holds a gift in the shape of a wolf at a meeting of the Christian Democratic Party in Karlsruhe. (Photo: AP)

According to AFP, one of the factors that helped the German Chancellor be elected was the "open door" policy that welcomed about 1 million refugees to Germany in 2015.

The massive influx of refugees - a result of war and poverty in Syria and Iraq - has created the worst migration crisis in Europe since World War II, putting the "Old Continent" in front of severe economic and social management challenges, as well as "exposing" the limitations and divisions within the European Union (EU).

Despite public criticism from lawmakers in parliament and opposition from other EU partners, Ms Merkel has adopted a generous policy towards migrants.

In addition, Ms. Merkel is also considered a top European leader who has made important contributions in finding solutions to the prolonged financial crisis in Greece.

AFP said she has always been steadfast and stood firm despite the Greek government's resolute opposition to the austerity measures proposed to save the country from the risk of bankruptcy and exit from the Eurozone.

A vote by AFP journalists worldwide also ranked Russian President Vladimir Putin as the second most influential person, as the Russian leader played a key role in resolving major international issues over the past year.

Despite being under great pressure as Russia faces a series of sanctions and isolation, Mr. Putin still has great influence on the most important international issues of the year, especially his policies in resolving the conflict in Syria, as well as the fight against the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS).

Last year, the Kremlin chief topped AFP's poll.

The third place on the list was Pope Francis, while the fourth place went to the people of the French capital Paris, who have survived many terrifying moments, from the attack on the Charlie Hebdo newspaper office and supermarket on January 7 that killed at least 17 people, to the bloody terrorist bombing on the evening of November 13 that took the lives of 130 people.

Despite the pain, the people of Paris still show solidarity and oppose the brutal terrorism that is spreading fear in the world./.

According to Vietnam+