Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Left Party Leader Heidi Reichinnek Reveals Migraine, Calls for Openness in Politics

She says severe attacks with strong medication hinder concentration, reframing criticism of her April TV lapse.

Overview

  • In a new Rheinische Post interview, Reichinnek says migraine “burdens me massively” and confirms she sometimes relies on medication to get through official appointments.
  • She describes using a “very strong” drug during attacks that makes it harder to concentrate, acknowledging limits on her performance during acute episodes.
  • Reichinnek urges a more open discussion of illness in political life and argues the Bundestag does not adequately reflect people with chronic conditions or disabilities.
  • She stresses the gender dimension of migraine and notes that women reporting severe headaches are often not taken seriously, citing calls for better visibility of women’s health.
  • Reporting references RKI data showing migraine affects 14.8% of women and 6% of men in Germany, and Reichinnek also highlights the need for attention to conditions like endometriosis.