Female politicians across Germany and Europe say politics is becoming increasingly hostile, marked by sexist insults, online abuse and personal threats. In Thuringia, Left Party lawmaker Katja Maurer says fear for her own and her family’s safety is driving women out of public life. Critics point to a harsher political culture, with Germany’s far-right AfD frequently accused of targeting female lawmakers. Rising disciplinary actions in parliament and a series of sexist remarks have intensified concerns that women remain underrepresented and may be discouraged from entering or staying in politics, despite efforts to improve representation.