Helle Thorning-Schmidt

Helle Thorning-Schmidt, born on December fourteenth, nineteen sixty-six, is a distinguished Danish politician who made history as the first woman to serve as both the Prime Minister of Denmark and the leader of the Social Democrats. Her political journey began in the European Parliament, where she represented Denmark from nineteen ninety-nine to two thousand four, before transitioning to the Danish Parliament in two thousand five.

After her election as leader of the Social Democrats in two thousand five, Thorning-Schmidt led her party through several significant elections, including the parliamentary elections of two thousand seven and two thousand eleven. It was in the latter election that she achieved a remarkable milestone, being appointed Prime Minister by Queen Margrethe II, a role she held until two thousand fifteen.

Following her defeat in the two thousand fifteen elections, Thorning-Schmidt announced her decision to step down from both her positions as Prime Minister and party leader, officially concluding her political career in April two thousand sixteen. Subsequently, she took on the role of chief executive at the NGO Save the Children, serving until June two thousand nineteen.

Thorning-Schmidt holds a degree in political science from the University of Copenhagen and a master's degree from the College of Europe. Since two thousand twenty, she has been actively involved as a co-chair of the Meta Oversight Board, continuing her commitment to public service and governance.