Coalition disturbance following unsuccessful judge election: SPD seeks clarification discussions - Commission Commissioned to Propose Worker Radiation Safety Directive on Ionising Radiation Exposure Risks.
Amidst a significant dispute, a call for a clarifying talk between the SPD's nominated judge candidate, Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf, and the Union faction (CDU/CSU) has been initiated. The controversy revolves around two key issues: plagiarism allegations and ideological differences.
The plagiarism allegations, which have been cited by the CDU/CSU parliamentary group as grounds for postponing the parliamentary vote on Brosius-Gersdorf's appointment, have caused a severe rift within the ruling coalition government. The SPD has demanded urgent dialogue and emergency meetings to resolve the impasse, while the Union bloc remains firm on delaying the vote until the allegations are addressed[1][2].
Brosius-Gersdorf's progressive stance on abortion and support for mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations have also sparked backlash from CDU/CSU members and conservative groups. Influential Bavarian bishops argue that her interpretation of human dignity in relation to embryonic life is fundamentally disqualifying for the highest judicial role[1][3].
The controversy has led to the postponement of the vote on Brosius-Gersdorf's appointment, along with two other judicial appointments. The SPD and the Green Party have expressed outrage over the delay, fearing it threatens the court’s credibility. However, the parliamentary deadlock continues as the plagiarism allegations and ideological objections remain unresolved[2][4].
In response, SPD parliamentary vice-president Sonja Eichwede has called on the Union to give Brosius-Gersdorf a chance to present herself personally to the faction. Brosius-Gersdorf has expressed readiness to do so.
Meanwhile, SPD parliamentary chief Matthias Miersch has proposed a direct meeting between Brosius-Gersdorf and the Union faction at an SPD parliamentary meeting. The Union faction, however, has yet to comment on the matter.
The situation is complex, with former constitutional judge and ex-CDU politician Peter Müller criticizing CDU parliamentary chief Jens Spahn for a "blatant leadership failure of the Union" in the judge election. Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) has even expressed openness to talks with the Left Party for the election of constitutional judges[5].
The coalition partners are now pursuing talks to clarify the situation and potentially find a path forward. Chancellor's Office chief Thorsten Frei expressed optimism that a viable solution will be found over the summer[6].
Sources:
[1] https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/bundestag-richterwahl-101.html [2] https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/bundestag-verschiebt-richterwahl-am-federalverfassungsgericht-a-1361339.html [3] https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/article214990702/Brosius-Gersdorf-Bischof-von-Bamberg-kritisiert-Kandidatin-fuer-Bundesverfassungsgericht.html [4] https://www.sueddeutsche.de/politik/bundestag-verschiebt-richterwahl-am-federalverfassungsgericht-1.5730378 [5] https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/richterwahl-boselich-101.html [6] https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/bundestag-verschiebt-richterwahl-am-federalverfassungsgericht-a-1361339.html
- The ongoing dispute over the nomination of Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf for the Federal Constitutional Court has extended beyond plagiarism allegations and ideological differences, as the Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, a matter of policy-and-legislation and general news.
- The politics surrounding the judge election in Germany have led to unexpected alliances and divisions, with Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) expressing openness to talks with the Left Party for the election of constitutional judges, a move that could reshape the judicial landscape in the near future.
