The incoming parental leave of Housing Minister Verena Hubertz has sparked a quiet debate within Germany’s political landscape, highlighting ongoing tensions around work-life balance, representation and the normalization of parenthood in public office. While acknowledging the symbolic weight of Green Party politician Hanna Steinmüller’s recent decision to deliver a parliamentary speech carrying her baby – a moment Hubertz described as “historical” – the SPD minister has stated she does not intend to follow suit.
Hubertz, who is expecting her first child in January and will enter maternity leave in December, represents a rare occurrence within German politics. She is only the third minister to become a mother while holding office; predecessors Kristina Schröder (CDU) and Manuela Schwesig (SPD), both former Family Ministers, previously navigated similar circumstances, with Schröder generating significant media attention when she brought her infant to the ministry in 2011.
Hubertz’s decision not to present herself in parliament with her baby, while seemingly pragmatic, has underscored the subtle pressures and unspoken expectations surrounding female politicians balancing career and family. Instead of focusing on the optics of maternal representation, Hubertz emphasized the uncertainties about her child’s needs and the demands of the role immediately following childbirth. She committed to incorporating her child into her work environment, both within the Bundestag and the Ministry, signaling a gradual integration rather than a demonstration of maternal presence.
The announcement of Hubertz’s pregnancy was met with a deluge of online abuse, forcing the minister to confront the persistent misogyny that continues to permeate German public discourse. While refusing to take legal action against the perpetrators, she expressed disappointment at the lack of progress in fostering a more tolerant and supportive environment for female politicians. Her words, “I thought we would be further along in 2025” reveal a frustration with the lingering resistance to normalizing parenthood and challenging traditional gender roles within the political sphere. The incident serves as a stark reminder that while symbolic gestures towards inclusivity are important, combating ingrained societal biases requires more profound and sustained effort.