Germany’s chancellor in waiting, Friedrich Merz, alongside party affiliates, shared a group photo following the conservative coalition’s election victory last month. While intended to convey readiness for political transformation, the image portrayed a familiar demographic: six middle-aged white men sitting with snacks, and only a hint of modernity as some chose to forgo neckties.
Though the new parliament’s election results revealed a troubling reality—only 32% of the 630 lawmakers are women, a decrease from 35% in 2021—the issue of gender equality in German politics has deeper roots. Particularly since the peak representation of women was recorded at 36% in 2013, progress toward gender parity has stagnated.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier highlighted this concern during a Women’s Day event, remarking, “When our democracy has a problem with women, then our country has a problem with democracy.” His assertion underlines the detrimental impact of inadequate female representation, pointing out that even combined, all elected women would not comprise the one-third minority needed to block any constitutional changes.
This latest development prompts critical conversations about the direction of gender equity in German governance, questioning whether true representation is achievable and what measures may be needed to foster a more inclusive political environment moving forward.
Though the new parliament’s election results revealed a troubling reality—only 32% of the 630 lawmakers are women, a decrease from 35% in 2021—the issue of gender equality in German politics has deeper roots. Particularly since the peak representation of women was recorded at 36% in 2013, progress toward gender parity has stagnated.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier highlighted this concern during a Women’s Day event, remarking, “When our democracy has a problem with women, then our country has a problem with democracy.” His assertion underlines the detrimental impact of inadequate female representation, pointing out that even combined, all elected women would not comprise the one-third minority needed to block any constitutional changes.
This latest development prompts critical conversations about the direction of gender equity in German governance, questioning whether true representation is achievable and what measures may be needed to foster a more inclusive political environment moving forward.