A German parliamentarian made history on Tuesday, delivering a speech in the Bundestag while holding her infant child. Green Party representative Hanna Steinmüller addressed the assembly during a budget debate concerning the Ministry of Construction, advocating for increased accessibility and affordable housing initiatives. Her baby, reportedly only a few months old, appeared to sleep soundly nestled against her during the address.
While the practice of bringing infants into the parliamentary chamber has been previously restricted, requiring special permission, Bundestag President Julia Klöckner (CDU) recently announced a relaxation of these regulations. This appearance is believed to be the first time a member of the Bundestag has addressed the assembly with an infant present, although previous instances of representatives carrying babies in carriers have been observed, most notably during a brief interruption prior to the summer recess. The incident has sparked conversation regarding inclusivity and the evolving dynamics of parliamentary procedure.