Six beaming election winners, all men, huddled around a table in a viral social media image, have reignited concerns regarding Friedrich Merz’s ability to bridge the gender gap in Germany’s political landscape. The picture, shared by Merz’s Bavarian ally Markus Söder on social media, drew significant criticism and comments questioning the absence of women in the group. Critics accused Merz and his team of lacking diversity, with some sarcastically asking where the women were, suggesting they might be in the kitchen. Franziska Brantner, co-leader of the Greens, pointed out that the new Syrian government might be more diverse than Merz’s negotiating team. This incident has highlighted the ongoing debate about gender representation in German politics, especially as the CDU/CSU struggles with declining support among women voters. Despite this, Merz has ruled out a gender-balanced cabinet, arguing that quotas “wouldn’t do women any favors.” However, his party introduced a gender-parity quota for its executive board in 2022 to show commitment to the issue. The debate underscores the challenges Merz faces in leading a country divided by deep social and political divisions, with his images and policies being closely scrutinized for their implications on gender equality.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/27/friedrich-merz-germany-all-male-photo-gender-gap