Overview
- Friedrich Merz has rejected calls for gender parity in the cabinet, advocating instead for a 25% female representation.
- Female members of the CDU/CSU, including Mechthild Heil, have criticized the party's failure to recognize women's competencies and provide equitable roles.
- Rita Süssmuth, a prominent CDU figure, has renewed her push for 50% female representation in leadership and government positions.
- The CDU/CSU's male-dominated structure, with only 23% female representation in its parliamentary group, is seen as increasingly out of step with societal expectations.
- The SPD's higher female representation in coalition negotiations further highlights the CDU/CSU's shortcomings and raises concerns about its electoral competitiveness.