SPD faces legal challenge from Söder in matters concerning Brosius-Gersdorf case
**Coalition Crisis Persists Over Federal Constitutional Court Nominee**
The ongoing coalition crisis in Germany regarding the appointment of new judges to the Federal Constitutional Court continues to create tension. The focus of the controversy is **Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf**, a law professor nominated by the Social Democratic Party (SPD).
The Bundestag was initially scheduled to vote on three new judges, but the process was abruptly halted when it became clear that Brosius-Gersdorf might not secure the necessary two-thirds majority. This decision followed a withdrawal of support by the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Christian Social Union (CSU), despite initial signals of support from Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
The CDU/CSU cited plagiarism allegations against Brosius-Gersdorf, which were raised just before the vote was set to take place. These allegations, concerning her doctoral dissertation, have been dismissed by leftist politicians as unfounded.
Markus Söder, leader of the CSU, has not publicly expressed his stance on Brosius-Gersdorf, but his party's withdrawal of support significantly impacts the nomination process. The CSU, along with the CDU, plays a crucial role in the coalition government's decision-making.
The SPD continues to fully support Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf as their candidate for the Federal Constitutional Court. SPD leader Lars Klingbeil has reaffirmed this support, stating that there is no reason for the party to deviate from her as their candidate.
The future of the coalition government under Chancellor Merz is at stake as the crisis deepens, highlighting the deepening ideological divisions within the government. The situation underscores the challenges in achieving consensus on key appointments.
As the government grapples with this issue, it also faces broader challenges related to judicial independence and political pluralism in Germany. The fate of Brosius-Gersdorf and the appointments to the Constitutional Court remains uncertain, pending further negotiations among the coalition partners and possibly the opposition.
The coalition has until after the summer to make a decision about the new judges for the Federal Constitutional Court. Söder has suggested that everyone should cool down and make a new start after the summer. However, the Union fraction has expressed expectations for the SPD to change their personnel proposal for the Federal Constitutional Court.
Despite the pressure, Brosius-Gersdorf has clarified that her statement about withdrawing her candidacy is not an exit strategy. She is portrayed as a scientist, not a political actor, according to SPD politician Klüssendorf. Söder, on the other hand, considers Brosius-Gersdorf to be a highly competent jurist, but warns the SPD against sticking to their candidate, stating "going headfirst into the wall - the wall will be stronger in the end."
- The controversy surrounding the appointment of Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf, a law professor nominated by the Social Democratic Party (SPD) for a seat on the Federal Constitutional Court, has intersected with broader debates in German politics, as it illustrates the challenges in achieving consensus on key appointments and the ideological divisions within the coalition government.
- The proposed amendment to Regulation (EEC) No 1408/71 on the application of social security schemes to employed and self-employed persons, as outlined in the COM (95) 525 final Proposal for a Council Regulation, raises questions about the political implications of judicial appointments, particularly in light of the ongoing crisis surrounding the appointment of Brosius-Gersdorf to the Federal Constitutional Court.
