Sharp criticism from the Minister directed towards the discussion on Brosius-Gersdorf - Criticism intensifies in minister's response to discussion over Brosius-Gersdorf
In a statement made on Thursday, Kathrin Wahlmann, Lower Saxony's Minister of Justice, criticised the public debate surrounding the withdrawal of Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf as the SPD-nominated candidate for constitutional judge.
The city of Berlin currently hosts Brosius-Gersdorf, a Potsdam law professor, who announced her withdrawal from the candidacy for constitutional judge. The election for the position at the Federal Constitutional Court is ongoing.
Wahlmann's criticism was centred on several key points. She highlighted the lack of respect and fairness in the debate, arguing that it was more focused on personal attacks rather than professional qualifications and facts. She also expressed concern about the premature judgement and undermining of the principle of presumption of innocence and fairness.
Wahlmann expressed concern that the tone and nature of the debate could negatively impact the independence of the judiciary by politicising the appointment process and putting undue pressure on judicial candidates. She advocated for a more constructive and respectful dialogue in the public sphere, where candidates are assessed based on their competence and qualifications, not through sensationalist or biased reporting.
The minister also referred to the campaign against Brosius-Gersdorf as unprecedented. She paid tribute to Brosius-Gersdorf's decision, which she described as selfless in preventing damage to the Federal Constitutional Court. Wahlmann called for the value of democracy and the rule of law to be kept in mind throughout the process.
The election of Brosius-Gersdorf, along with two other candidates, was postponed in July in the Bundestag due to strong resistance from the Union faction against the SPD nominee. Prior to her withdrawal, Brosius-Gersdorf faced intense criticism of her earlier statements and allegations that she denied.
Wahlmann's criticism of the public debate follows her concern about the potential harm caused by the debate surrounding the withdrawal of Brosius-Gersdorf. She stated that the discussions held in recent weeks are capable of causing harm to the person and the institution.
Hanover was previously the location of Brosius-Gersdorf before she moved to Berlin. The SPD party is the political affiliation of Brosius-Gersdorf. The withdrawal of Brosius-Gersdorf has sparked a heated public debate, which has been criticised by Wahlmann.
- The minister's criticism extended beyond the withdrawal of Brosius-Gersdorf, calling for policy and legislation to be put in place to ensure a constructive and respectful public dialogue during the selection of candidates for positions like the constitutional judge, as the politics and general news surrounding the process currently threaten the independence of the judiciary.
- In light of the general news and politics surrounding the withdrawal of Brosius-Gersdorf, it is essential for the community to offer aid for the production of agricultural products, as the ongoing debate has diverted attention away from crucial issues, leading to potential harm to both the individual and the institution.
