Charlotte Merz, the wife of Union’s chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz, has criticized the reporting on her husband’s views on women. “What some have written about my husband’s views on women simply does not hold true, I cannot in any way agree with it” said the jurist to the Westfalenpost (Monday edition).
As a couple, they had organized their family and married life from the start with equal rights, she said. “Our first child was born when I was still in my studies. More important than the question of who takes out the trash, I find the mental support. We have both taken into account the other’s job and split childcare in a way that was compatible with our professional commitments” she added. Her husband had always supported her, as he considered it natural and right for her to work, Charlotte Merz continued.
For her, her work had always been self-evident. “And I wish for it to be possible for all other women as well – just so that they can earn their own pensions and live with greater equality in society” she said.
Regarding the question of whether there are too few top politicians in the CDU, she agreed. “But does it stem from men holding them back, or are there perhaps too few women at the base? I believe the CDU has recognized the problem. That’s why my husband also actively promotes the recruitment of women for the district and local associations. My observation is that the willingness of women to enter politics is not as pronounced” she said.
In the moment when family is present, women still feel primarily responsible, she added. “That is still the case today, unfortunately. And then they weigh whether to spend the evening at a meeting or with their children” said Charlotte Merz.
The jurist is the director of the Arnsberg district court. If her husband were to become Chancellor, she would like to continue her life in the Sauerland as usual, with her work as a judge and director of the district court. “I would like to continue going to work normally every morning. I assume my husband will have less time in the Sauerland if he becomes Chancellor” she told the Westfalenpost.