SPD Women Demand Gender Parity in Merz's Upcoming Cabinet

The women's faction of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) has issued a call to Friedrich Merz, the anticipated future Chancellor from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), to ensure that at least half of the cabinet positions are occupied by women. Maria Noichl, the chair of the SPD women and a member of the European Parliament, emphasized the Chancellor's responsibility in forming a government that reflects gender parity.

According to the coalition agreement between the CDU and SPD, each party will receive seven ministerial appointments, while the Christian Social Union (CSU) will obtain three. Noichl is advocating for a minimum of three women to be included in the SPD nominations for cabinet roles, asserting that parity equates to a 50:50 representation. She further mentioned that this count does not include the vice-presidency of the Bundestag, currently held by Josephine Ortleb from the SPD.

Noichl also urged the Union to nominate a sufficient number of women for ministerial roles, stating that both Merz and CSU leader Markus Söder share the obligation to achieve a balanced gender representation. She articulated that it is imperative for both the parliament and the government to represent all citizens, not just men.

In mid-March, the group of women within the Union faction had already called for gender parity in the appointments within the Bundestag and the future federal government. Mechthild Heil, chair of the Union women, highlighted that this demand extends beyond ministerial positions to include leadership roles in committees, spokesperson roles, and representation in various bodies, such as the broadcasting council.

The Bundestag is expected to elect Merz as Chancellor on May 6.