Overview

• Elisabeth Kaiser has been appointed as the Federal Government Commissioner for East Germany, a position now housed in the Finance Ministry.
• She is currently on maternity leave following the birth of her second child and intends to return to her role after the statutory eight-week protection period and the summer recess.
• Kaiser emphasized that her pregnancy did not influence her selection for the role, calling it a sign of progress in work–life balance for women in politics.
• Her husband will take parental leave to support her early return to work, demonstrating a modern approach to shared family responsibilities.
• Kaiser highlighted regional differences in Germany regarding gender roles, noting better childcare integration in East Germany compared to ongoing gaps in West Germany.