

Helmut Kohl vs Angela Merkel on the 12 Axes
Helmut Kohl was German chancellor for sixteen years, and Angela Merkel rose in his party and later became chancellor herself. Both lean Global on trade and toward Cooperation abroad, but Kohl leans toward National identity while Merkel leans Multicultural.
- Culture
Helmut Kohl leans National identity (+30), Angela Merkel leans Multicultural (-40): 70 points apart.
- Structure
Both lean Local: -15 and -10.
- Trade
Both lean Global: -55 and -50.
- Foreign policy
Both lean Cooperation: -45 and -50.
- Ownership
Both lean Private: +30 and +20.
All 12 axes, side by side
| Axis | Helmut Kohl | Angela Merkel | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| OwnershipPublic to Private | +30 | +20 | 10 |
| MarketsPlanned to Free | +30 | +20 | 10 |
| WelfareShared to Self-reliant | +5 | 0 | 5 |
| AuthorityDemocratic to Strong leader | -30 | -40 | 10 |
| SecurityLiberty to Order | +30 | +15 | 15 |
| StructureLocal to Central | -15 | -10 | 5 |
| MoralityProgressive to Traditional | +30 | +5 | 25 |
| ReligionSecular to Religious | +35 | +15 | 20 |
| TechnologyEmbrace to Caution | -20 | +10 | 30 |
| CultureMulticultural to National identity | +30 | -40 | 70 |
| TradeGlobal to Protected | -55 | -50 | 5 |
| Foreign policyCooperation to Strength | -45 | -50 | 5 |
Scores run from -100 to +100 and come from each profile's documented positions. Closeness compares only the axes both have on record. It measures similar positions, not endorsement. How profiles work
Closer to Helmut Kohl or Angela Merkel?
Take the 12 Axes test and see your match with both, axis by axis.
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How similar are Helmut Kohl and Angela Merkel?
On the 12 axes where both have a documented position, their profiles are 88% close on the 12 Axes scale. They differ most on Culture.
Who is more economically left-wing, Helmut Kohl or Angela Merkel?
Angela Merkel sits further toward the collective end of the Economy family (ownership, markets and welfare), by 8 points on average.
Who favours more personal liberty, Helmut Kohl or Angela Merkel?
On the State family (authority, security and structure), Angela Merkel leans further toward liberty and checks on power, by 7 points on average.