Criticizes Coalition Over Judge Dispute: Steinmeier Voices Concerns on Coalition's Handling of the Judicial Matter - "Steinmeier accuses coalition of sparking judicial disputes"
In an unprecedented turn of events, a significant deadlock has arisen between the CDU/CSU and SPD over the appointment of Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf as a judge in Germany's Federal Constitutional Court. The CDU/CSU, citing plagiarism allegations and opposition to her liberal stances, particularly on abortion and mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations, withdrew their support for Brosius-Gersdorf just hours before a planned parliamentary vote.
The SPD, along with the Greens, vehemently opposes the move, viewing it as an attack on the court's integrity and legitimacy. As a result, the vote for all three judges up for appointment has been postponed, escalating the dispute further.
Jan Redmann, CDU chairman of Brandenburg, and Thomas Bareiß, a CDU member of the Bundestag, have expressed concerns about the handling of the situation, with Bareiß describing the past two weeks as a "car crash in slow motion." Peter Müller, a former constitutional judge and ex-CDU politician, has also sharply criticized CDU parliamentary group leader Jens Spahn for failing to secure promised approval for a candidate.
In contrast, SPD parliamentary business manager Dirk Wiese and parliamentary vice-president Sonja Eichwede have urged for dialogue, with Eichwede suggesting a direct conversation with Brosius-Gersdorf as a hard-to-refuse proposal. Federal Minister of Education Karin Prien, however, looks forward to a "hard and fair substantive debate" with Brosius-Gersdorf.
President Steinmeier has also weighed in, urging a swift decision on the matter, stating it's about the authority and functionality of the highest court. Steinmeier warned that if decisions are not made soon, concerns would arise. Criticism about the handling of the judges' election has also emerged within the CDU.
The current standoff represents a deep rift within Germany’s coalition government over the composition and perceived impartiality of the Federal Constitutional Court. This conflict is set to test the coalition's ability to navigate through disagreements and maintain stability in the face of political and ethical challenges.
The Court of Justice's policy-and-legislation on the Commission's obligations under Article 85 (1) of the Treaty, being a matter of general-news, might serve as a lesson for politicians in navigating through disputes, such as the one currently escalating within Germany’s coalition government over the composition and perceived impartiality of the Federal Constitutional Court. The ongoing standoff, reminiscent of a "car crash in slow motion," could benefit from a more collaborative approach, akin to the dialogue urged by SPD parliamentary business manager Dirk Wiese and parliamentary vice-president Sonja Eichwede.
