Emmanuel Macron was born in December 1977, also a Year of the Snake (Photo by Toby Melville/WPA-Pool/Getty Images)
Cover Emmanuel Macron was born in December 1977, also a Year of the Snake (Photo by Toby Melville/WPA-Pool/Getty Images)
Emmanuel Macron was born in December 1977, also a Year of the Snake (Photo by Toby Melville/WPA-Pool/Getty Images)

People born in the Year of the Snake are cunning, yes, but they're also strategic, forward-thinking, and resourceful.

Each Chinese zodiac possesses inherent skills that make up a great leader. The Ox are often industrious and honest, while the Horse are typically democratic and affable. But what about the Snake? It’s an animal that gets an unjust reputation for its cunning and suspiciousness. But couldn't one could channel those traits for leadership as well? For example, wiliness might be needed in situations that require tactical deception, manipulation, or vigilance to achieve a specific goal, especially in complex or high-stakes environments—like running a country. Some leaders need to outwit rivals, anticipate threats, and navigate situations of a secretive nature.

Also read: 5 icons born in the Year of the Snake

And it’s not all bad. The Snake is also associated with qualities such as intelligence, charm, intuition, and strategic thinking. Individuals born under this sign are also deep thinkers, calm, and resourceful, with a tendency to analyse situations thoroughly before taking action. In the right hands, these characteristics can manifest in governance that is calculated, insightful, and persuasive.

That said, though, it’s not like people can choose which zodiac sign they will be born under. Leadership can also be influenced by many other factors apart from the phases of the moon. Personal experiences, cultural context, individual choices, and stakes are also influential in making a good leader. Here’s a list of notable world leaders born in the Year of the Snake.

1. Mahatma Gandhi, Indian politician and political ethicist (born 1869)

Tatler Asia
Mahatma Gandhi
Above Mahatma Gandhi (photo: Elliot & Fry courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)
Mahatma Gandhi

The Chinese Language Institute believes Mahatma Gandhi's charisma and wisdom are reflective of the Snake's hallmark traits. A leader of India's non-violent independence movement against British rule, Gandhi's deep thinking and strategic approach to civil disobedience exemplify the introspective and determined nature of this zodiac sign.

2. John F. Kennedy, 35th president of the United States (born 1917)

Tatler Asia
John F. Kennedy
Above John F. Kennedy (photo: History in HD on Unsplash)
John F. Kennedy

The 35th president of the United States, John F. Kennedy, is remembered for his charismatic leadership and calm, calculated approach during pivotal moments such as the Cuban Missile Crisis. His eloquence and strategic decision-making reflect the Snake's reputed wisdom and charm.

He was also serpentine in his ability to think ahead. JFK’s plan for a “New Frontier” emphasised progress in science, space exploration, and civil rights. His ambition to land a man on the moon reflected the Snake's adaptability and long-term vision. Over 60 years since his death, JFK remains one of the most popular US presidents.

3. Nicolae Ceaușescu, former general secretary of the Romanian Communist Party (1918–1989)

Tatler Asia
Nicolae Ceaușescu
Above Nicolae Ceaușescu (photo: courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)
Nicolae Ceaușescu

If he had been born a few days later, he would have been a Horse. As it is, the former general secretary of the Romanian Communist Party can reap the qualities of the sixth member of the Chinese zodiac.

Ceaușescu's tenure as Romania's leader from 1965 until his overthrow in 1989 was marked by a mix of nationalism and authoritarianism. He initially gained popularity for his independent stance against Soviet influence, but his regime later became increasingly repressive, leading to widespread dissent. He also had a furtive demeanour.

While Ceaușescu's cunning political manoeuvres and strategic nature may seem parallel to the Snake’s less favoured attributes, these connections will always remain speculative.

4. Tony Blair, former prime minister of the United Kingdom (born 1953)

Tatler Asia
Tony Blair
Above Tony Blair (photo courtesy of LSE Library via Wikimedia Commons)
Tony Blair

The prime minister of the United Kingdom from 1997 to 2007, Blair's persuasive communication skills and strategic political moves are reflective of the Snake's intelligent and intuitive qualities.

The Feng Shui Institute's analysis of Blair's Chinese astrology chart suggests that his birth under the Water Snake sign indicates a propensity for forming significant partnerships. The former Prime Minister was known for his alliances with figures like Gordon Brown and George W. Bush.

Professor Jing Han from Western Sydney University further notes that individuals born in the Year of the Snake are often described as mysterious, determined, charismatic, and wise—qualities that could be associated with Blair's political persona.

5. Xi Jinping, president of the People's Republic of China (born 1953)

Tatler Asia
Xi Jinping
Above Xi Jinping (photo: China News Service courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)
Xi Jinping

President Xi Jinping’s political motions, like abolishing term limits and launching the Belt and Road Initiative, showcase strategic foresight. Like the adaptable and resilient Snake, Xi has shown how he can navigate economic shifts, global criticism, and internal dissent.

Known for their mysterious nature, Snakes reveal little, much like Xi’s reserved public persona. His persistence through political challenges and focus on long-term goals, such as modernising China’s military and advancing “Common Prosperity,” mirrors the Snake’s methodical approach to achieving lasting success.

6. Emmanuel Macron, president of France (born 1977)

Tatler Asia
Emmanuel Macron
Above Emmanuel Macron (photo: Christophe Licoppe / European Union, 2024 / EC - Audiovisual Service courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)
Emmanuel Macron

The current president of France, Macron is known for his intellectual approach to governance and his ability to steer complex political landscapes.

Specifically, Macron is a Fire Snake. Fire Snakes are often sociable, lively, and insightful. He is, after all, notable for his rapport with other leaders, such as Justin Trudeau, Angela Merkel, Joe Biden, Macky Sall, and more. Macron’s alliances show that he can unite divergent perspectives and foster cooperation across ideological and geographic boundaries. He also has a reputation for pragmatism, which falls in with the Fire Snake traits of adaptability and diplomacy.

7. Volodymyr Zelensky, president of Ukraine (born 1978)

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky's rise from comedian to national leader demonstrates versatility and strategic acumen, aligning with the Snake's characteristics of being resourceful and intuitive.

Moreover, his leadership during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has been marked by resilience and effective communication. For instance, his ability to rally international support and maintain national morale reflects strategic acumen and charisma. Very Snake-line. One has to wonder if he would have turned out the same had he been born a Horse two weeks later.