Saskia Esken: “Don’t let me talk out feminism”

The SPD party leader Saskia Esken makes it clear on today’s World Women’s Day that women and their topics in the exploratory talks between the Union and the SPD should not be neglected. “I don’t let the need for feminism talk to me,” said ESKE star.

At the moment her co-chair Lars Klingbeil and CDU and CSU negotiated her about a government who initially wanted to send six men and no woman to the talks. “I am very vigilant that we strengthen the role of women in these negotiations and make it clear that our topics are also important,” said the social democrat.

When asked what would be different if there were more women in politics, the SPD boss replied: “A lot-the way of talking to each other and what.” In their experience, women are more oriented towards the matter. “Some men are often too emotional for the political business.” ESKEN feel this in every round where women and men are “exceptionally” represented. A look at everyday topics such as the reliability of daycare centers, the state of schools, but also violence against women.

The social democrat wants parity in parliament so that the reality is reflected: “In order for the Bundestag to be a reflection of society, women not only have to get half the cake, but half the bakery.”

A photo from the Federal Chancellery had recently caused irritation and again raised the question of male dominance in politics. In the picture, four men can be seen in a lively conversation, Esken is the only woman in the round, apparently sitting in the side.

“I always look for the left wing, even in talk shows or at press conferences,” said Esken now star to the recording “because I only hear in my right ear.” She is deaf on the left ear. As a child, she had an inflammation of the meningitis, the auditory nerve had died. “My ear actually works excellently, but is offline.” The place on the left edge enables her, said Esken, to hear all interlocutors well. “If the number of conversation partners is odd, such a seating arrangement results.”

The admission was taken during a conversation on the special conference of the European Council on Ukraine policy this week. The still incumbent Chancellor Olaf Scholz discussed the German position with election winner and CDU boss Friedrich Merz and Alexander Dobrindt, head of the CSU national group in the Bundestag. The SPD party leaders Lars Klingbeil and Saskia Esken were also there.

“It was a photographer on site who took many different pictures,” said Esken. She doesn’t know who selected the photo, “I wasn’t”. Some may suspect a bad intention behind it, “but I don’t want to hang it as high”. The social democrat said: “When asked whether I am involved in this round, it didn’t matter. I am already making sure that I am listening.”