German Feminist Group Criticizes Lopsided Coalition Committee Composition
A German feminist organization has sharply criticized the composition of a coalition committee formed by the Union and SPD parties, stating that it is a “tragic play” and a step backward from the progress made in the past.
According to Elke Ferner, a member of the board of the German Women’s Council, the committee is dominated by men and lacks representation from women, despite the possibility of adding more female members from the states or parliamentary factions. Ferner, a former parliamentary state secretary in the Ministry of Family, emphasized that the committee will likely have nine members, with only one woman, Saskia Esken, the current SPD chair, currently representing the party and soon to be replaced by Labor Minister Bärbel Bas.
Ferner also emphasized the importance of gender equality, stating that it is not a priority for some parts of the coalition. The organization’s concerns are further highlighted by the low number of female state secretaries, with Ferner expressing confidence that women can be found to fill such positions.