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Thursday 9 a.m. in the Bundestag. It is Parliament's practice for new MPs to be formally introduced at their first sitting in the Chamber.
Bärbel Bas, President of the Bundestag:
»Before we begin, I would like to welcome a new colleague. Welcome"
But in this case it is a first.
Bärbel Bas, President of the Bundestag:
»You are probably all surprised, but today we are actually making history, if I may put it that way. We have the first deaf MP who will be involved here for her constituency (…) and we are very much looking forward to her colleague and her work in this house. And here’s to good cooperation.”
Those present greet Heike Heubach with a wave of hands: the translation for applause. Sign language interpreters accompany the Bavarian social democrat in her work.
The 44-year-old is replacing SPD politician Uli Grötsch, who was elected federal police commissioner. In the 2021 federal election, she missed entering parliament.
Heike Heubach, MP:
»Hello, I am your Bundestag candidate for Augsburg-Land and Aichach-Friedberg. I know what you need and can work with you to bring about change. Together, we will do it."
Her thematic focus: equal rights for women and men, environmental protection - and the visibility of people with disabilities.