Woidke demands: Fifth of the federal cabinet from the East

In the new federal cabinet, Brandenburg's Minister President Dietmar Woidke believes that at least a fifth of the posts should be filled by East Germans. "This figure does not solve all the problems we have with the under-representation of East Germans in leadership positions," said the SPD politician in Berlin. "But it is an important symbol and that is why I very much hope that the federal leaders of the parties have the wisdom to look for the right people. And then they will find them."

Berlin's governing mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) also called for a strong representation of East Germans in the future cabinet. "We have many strong minds, also with an East German biography," said Wegner with regard to the CDU/CSU. "The crucial thing is that the cabinet actually reflects our society, our country. Of course, East German biographies and East German voices must also be included." Sufficient representation of women is also important.

Woidke and Wegner made their comments on the sidelines of the conference of East German minister presidents in Berlin.