Helle Thorning-Schmidt, 45, is the current and first woman to be prime minister of Denmark. Although she was appointed prime minister in October 2011, she has been leader of the Danish social democrats since April 2005. Schmidt campaigned on a platform of tax rises and increased public spending, as Denmark battles its worst downturn since World War II. However, she has insisted she will not “jump on the austerity wagon” with other countries in Europe and will defend and secure the welfare system. While she is a mother of two, she is a devoted leader.