Hubertz does not want to speak in the Bundestag with his baby present

Berlin – Federal Construction Minister Verena Hubertz (SPD) does not intend to speak in the Bundestag with her baby. "I have no intention of doing that," the SPD politician, who is expecting her first child in January and will begin her maternity leave in December, told the Funke media group. Recently, Green Party politician Hanna Steinmüller caused a stir when she gave a speech in parliament with her baby in a carrier. Hubertz called the moment "historic." Hubertz is only the third minister to have a child while in office. Before her, Kristina Schröder (CDU) and Manuela Schwesig (SPD), both serving as family ministers, became mothers while in office. Schröder caused a stir in 2011 when she brought her baby to the ministry. Hubertz now plans to take the eight weeks of maternity leave following the birth. "It's impossible to predict at this point what the situation will be like and what the baby's needs will be. But of course, I'll be traveling with my child, whether in the Bundestag or at the ministry," she said. Regarding the online hostility she experienced after announcing her pregnancy, Hubertz said: "I don't want to let it get me down. We have to stand up to it so we're not still having this discussion in ten years. I thought we'd be further along by 2025." However, she hasn't taken legal action against the comments. "No, they weren't death threats, just stupid comments. My motto is: rise above it and don't let it get to me."