Justice Minister issues caution over potential continuance of Brosius-Gersdorf-related initiatives
The withdrawal of Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf from the race to become a judge at the Federal Constitutional Court has caused a significant crisis in Germany's judicial appointment process. Stefanie Hubig, the Federal Minister of Justice, has expressed her regret over the development, stating it is not in the interest of the rule of law or the Federal Constitutional Court.
Brosius-Gersdorf's withdrawal was primarily due to intense opposition from parts of the CDU/CSU parliamentary faction, who rejected her election due to her progressive stances, especially on late-term abortion and the proposal to ban the AfD party. This opposition threatened the CDU-SPD coalition’s agreement, potentially unraveling the overall judicial appointments package and endangering the election of other court nominees.
Brosius-Gersdorf, a widely recognized constitutional lawyer, was subjected to extreme personal harassment and pressure in recent weeks. She was labeled inaccurately as “ul-left” and “rad left,” particularly by right-wing critics, which she characterized as defamatory and unrealistic. She also criticized the media for biased and incomplete reporting about her positions, including false claims she supported abortion legalization until birth.
Hubig has called for a better discussion culture and the ability to withstand attacks on democracy in the future. She emphasizes the need for more diligence and objectivity in debates regarding the appointment of constitutional judges. Hubig believes that campaigns should not lead to the loss of qualified candidates, especially in the case of constitutional judges.
The election of Brosius-Gersdorf, along with two other candidates, for the Federal Constitutional Court was postponed in the Bundestag in July. The resistance against the SPD candidate in the Union faction had become too great for the election to proceed.
In a statement, Hubig deeply regrets Brosius-Gersdorf's withdrawal and has great respect for her decision to protect the court’s reputation and prevent further coalition breakdown. The reporting later became more factual, according to the information provided.
The withdrawal of Brosius-Gersdorf reflects and exacerbates a turbulent political clash that impedes the traditionally smooth appointment process for Federal Constitutional Court judges and underscores the toxic harassment faced by candidates with controversial views in Germany’s current polarized environment.
[1] Brosius-Gersdorf withdraws from Federal Constitutional Court candidacy [2] The withdrawal of Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf: A crisis for Germany’s judicial appointment process [3] Brosius-Gersdorf: The politicization of the controversy is perilous for democratic debate and institutions [4] The withdrawal of Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf: A significant crisis in Germany’s judicial appointment process [5] The withdrawal of Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf: The increasing politicization of constitutional court appointments
- The withdrawal of Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf from the Federal Constitutional Court candidacy was a result of intense opposition from certain political factions, particularly due to her progressive stances on policy-and-legislation issues such as late-term abortion and the ban of the AfD party.
- The politicization of the controversy surrounding Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf's withdrawal for the Federal Constitutional Court has become a general-news topic, causing a significant crisis for Germany’s judicial appointment process, and highlighting the toxic environment faced by candidates with controversial views in modern German politics.
