The ongoing conflict within Germany's black-red coalition over the appointment of constitutional judges remains unresolved, with no swift solution in sight. The Social Democratic Party (SPD) steadfastly supports their candidate, Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf, despite significant opposition from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Christian Social Union (CSU). This opposition led to the postponement of the election intended to fill three judge positions at the Federal Constitutional Court, as CDU/CSU demanded the withdrawal of Brosius-Gersdorf’s nomination.
CSU leader Markus Söder has urged the SPD to propose a new candidate, suggesting that Brosius-Gersdorf's candidacy lacks favor. In contrast, SPD leaders emphasize the importance of honoring commitments, with some indicating the possibility of a special parliamentary session to revisit the failed election. The SPD remains adamant about supporting Brosius-Gersdorf, who has reportedly faced a campaign of unprecedented hostility, including threats that have disrupted her professional environment.
Brosius-Gersdorf, a respected legal scholar, has publicly denounced the portrayal of her political stance as ultraleftist, calling such depictions inaccurate and defamatory. The controversy has sparked broader criticism, with a collective of legal academics condemning the political maneuvering and misinformation surrounding her candidacy.
The coalition's discord is exacerbated by accusations that anti-abortion activists and right-wing media may have influenced the opposition to Brosius-Gersdorf. As the government awaits the next steps from parliamentary factions, leaders like Chancellor Friedrich Merz acknowledge that there is no immediate pressure to resolve the stalemate, while the Green Party advocates for swift parliamentary action out of respect for both the candidates and the court.
