Julia Klöckner condemns disrespectful remarks in Bundestag

Bundestag President Julia Klöckner has condemned instances of “encroachment” and “disrespect” toward women within the German parliament. The criticism follows comments made by AfD Member of Parliament Martin Reichardt, who directed derogatory remarks regarding the anatomy of Die Linke politician Kathrin Gebel during a debate on family policy.

Following the incident, Vice President Andrea Lindholz imposed a fine on Reichardt. Although Reichardt filed an appeal against the sanction, the objection was unsuccessful. Klöckner emphasized that such behavior is unacceptable in a modern, equal society and noted that the current female representation in parliament stands at 32 percent. She pledged to maintain a strict policy of issuing fines for similar misconduct to ensure the parliament remains an attractive professional environment for women.

Klöckner, who was elected to the presidency in March 2025, holds significant responsibilities including presiding over plenary sessions, representing the Bundestag externally, and exercising domestic authority within the parliamentary buildings.