Green parliamentary spokesperson and father of two Sven-Christian Kindler (Greens) demands more measures to reconcile family and office in top politics.
“One could change a lot. For example, no more evening meetings, votes, and negotiations. And for MPs, introduce a parental leave with a replacement regulation” he said to the taz (Friday edition). After the birth of his children, he was “informally on parental leave” for four months. “It was too little for me, but I didn’t dare to stay away for longer” said Kindler.
The MP, who has sat in the Bundestag since 2009, announced in April 2024 that he would not run in the next election. “Equal parenting and a job in top politics are not reconcilable. Most of the childcare work is done by my wife, and that’s not fair” he said to justify the taz. He had always tried to keep his weekends free from work appointments to have more time for his children, “but in the end, a last-minute interview request can still come in” said Kindler further. “And that means my wife has to be constantly available to jump in. The expectation in politics is that you’re available 24/7. I have no more desire for that.