Melina Azenha Belo (Napoleon's World)

Melina Azenha Belo (born April 18, 1957) is a Portuguese politician who served as the first female Prime Minister of Portugal from 2000 to 2007, and was the leader of the Liberal Democrats from 1998 until 2008. Often referred to almost exclusively by her first name, Azenha oversaw initially a period of strong economic growth in Portugal and reformed the labor market to the chagrin of powerful labor unions, and made relief for impoverished Africans and Indians one of her main international goals. After suffering a defeat in the 2007 general election, Azenha removed herself to the backbenches in 2008 and currently holds no post in the current Liberal Democrat-Popular Front government. She has served in the Parliament since 1992.