Bundestagspräsidentin Julia Klöckner of the CDU is planning a cross-faction initiative to tackle two major issues: the underrepresentation of women in politics and the increasing incidence of hate attacks against female politicians.
In a letter addressed to all female members of parliament, Klöckner noted the current low percentage of women in the German Bundestag. With 630 parliamentarians, only 205 are women, which equates to roughly 33 percent-a number she deems insufficient.
The President warned that female politicians frequently face scrutiny not just regarding their policy stances, but also concerning their appearance, presentation, and personality. She highlighted that hostility, particularly in online environments, can often become personal, sexualized, and threatening. Klöckner stressed that this experience is shared among all members of parliament, regardless of their party affiliation. Due to these issues, many women have chosen to withdraw from politics, especially at the municipal level, or simply choose not to run for office.
In response, Klöckner has issued an invitation for a cross-party discussion on October 6th. The event is intended to facilitate an exchange about political design, visibility, public expectations, and the common experiences faced by women in parliament.
