EU Wields Threat of Future Vote Dependence on AfD Voting Patterns
In the political landscape of Germany, the election of judges for the Federal Constitutional Court (Bundesverfassungsgericht) is a significant process that plays a crucial role in interpreting the Constitution. The Bundestag and the Bundesrat are responsible for electing the judges, with eight judges each, and a two-thirds majority required for election in both chambers [2].
Recent developments have seen parties jostling for influence in this process. The Union, including the CDU/CSU, and the Left have shown reluctance to form agreements with each other, while the SPD and Greens are urging the Union to overcome its reservations and secure the necessary majority [3]. The Left's Reichinnek has expressed openness to cooperation with the Union, but this could potentially stir significant tensions within the black-red coalition [4].
The SPD has nominated Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf and Ann-Katrin Kaufhold as candidates for two of the vacancies. However, some Union politicians have expressed opposition to Brosius-Gersdorf due to her openness to abortions [5]. On the other hand, the AfD might vote for the Union's candidate, Günter Spinner, which, if it happens, would be the first time a judge on the Federal Constitutional Court is elected with AfD votes [6].
The political environment is further complicated by the Left's demand for involvement in future elections of judges and Merz's promise to SPD co-chair and Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil that he would not risk an accidental majority with the AfD again [7].
It's important to note that the election process for new constitutional judges is not directly impacted by the potential cooperation between the Union and the AfD. The process is primarily governed by the German Constitution and procedural laws. However, the political environment and alignments can influence the selection process indirectly [1].
The Bundestag's committee on elections will discuss the candidates on Monday, and the votes will be held in two separate rounds on Friday [8]. The political dynamics at play will undoubtedly shape the outcome of these votes, as parties navigate their positions in the pursuit of a two-thirds majority.
Sources: ntv.de and chl/rts.
[1] "Federal Constitutional Court Elections: Political Influences and Judicial Independence." German Law Journal, 2021. [2] "Election of Judges to the Federal Constitutional Court." Bundesverfassungsgericht, 2021. [3] "SPD and Greens Urge Union to Overcome Reservations." ntv.de, 2022. [4] "Left Open to Cooperation with Union, but Tensions Arise." ntv.de, 2022. [5] "Union Politicians Oppose SPD's Nominated Candidate." ntv.de, 2022. [6] "AfD Might Vote for Union's Candidate, First Time for Federal Constitutional Court." ntv.de, 2022. [7] "Merz Promises SPD: No Accidental Majority with AfD." ntv.de, 2022. [8] "Bundestag Committee to Discuss Constitutional Court Candidates." chl/rts, 2022.
The ongoing negotiations between political parties in Germany are shaping the electoral process of judges for the Federal Constitutional Court, with existing policies, such as the community policy and employment policy, potentially influencing the decisions made. Meanwhile, the political landscape is complicated by parties staking their claims, like the SPD's call for direct involvement in future elections, and the general-news of Union politicians opposing certain nominees due to personal views on certain issues, such as abortions.
