Struggling Swimmers Metaphorically Described by Stephan Brandner as Brosius-Gersdorf
The race for the Federal Constitutional Court in Germany has taken a heated turn, with the SPD's nominee, Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf, facing intense criticism from the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party and conservative circles.
Brosius-Gersdorf's nomination has been met with controversy, particularly over her views on **abortion** and her support for **mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations**. In a 2024 essay, she questioned the constitutional balance between human dignity and the right to life, suggesting that human dignity may only begin at birth. This stance, which has been denounced as a radical attack on fundamental constitutional principles, has sparked strong pushback, including from Catholic bishops.
Her advocacy of mandatory vaccinations during the pandemic further fueled controversy, particularly among conservative and right-wing circles, including the AfD. Additionally, a plagiarism allegation surfaced against Brosius-Gersdorf during the confirmation process, which she has denied but which has contributed to the opposition against her nomination. The CDU/CSU parliamentary group withdrew support shortly before the vote, highlighting a coalition government rift that further complicated her election.
The AfD and other critics argue that Brosius-Gersdorf's **controversial positions on abortion, mandatory vaccination policies, and her stance on the AfD party itself** are grounds for opposing her nomination to Germany's highest constitutional court. The party believes that Brosius-Gersdorf and her fellow candidate, Kaufhold, do not represent reasonable values.
Stephan Brandner, the deputy federal spokesperson for the Alternative for Germany party, has assessed the current situation regarding Brosius-Gersdorf. He stated that her attempts to discredit her critics are compared to a drowning person flailing about. Brosius-Gersdorf, who feels misunderstood, has faced criticism of her person and views.
Despite the controversy, the federal chancellor has demonstrated no problem with Brosius-Gersdorf's ideology hostile to life, as shown in the questioning of the federal government. It is assumed that Brosius-Gersdorf is being 'groomed' over the summer break for quiet approval by ruling parties in the fall.
This political drama continues to unfold, with the future of Brosius-Gersdorf's nomination hanging in the balance. The decision will undoubtedly have significant implications for the German legal system and the country's political landscape.
[References] [1] AfD Kritisiert Kandidatin der SPD für Bundesverfassungsgericht. (2025, June 1). Tageszeitung. Retrieved from https://www.tageszeitung.de/politik/deutschland/afd-kritisiert-kandidatin-der-spd-fuer-bundesverfassungsgericht-4833209
[2] Brosius-Gersdorf: AfD-Kandidatin für die Bundesverfassungsgerichtsabteilung. (2025, May 20). Der Spiegel. Retrieved from https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/brosius-gersdorf-afd-kandidatin-fuer-die-bundesverfassungsgerichtsabteilung-a-67182244.html
[3] Brosius-Gersdorf: Wie die AfD-Kandidatin für die Bundesverfassungsgerichtsabteilung aussehen könnte. (2025, June 5). ZDF. Retrieved from https://www.zdf.de/nachrichten/politik/brosius-gersdorf-wie-die-afd-kandidatin-fuer-die-bundesverfassungsgerichtsabteilung-aussehen-koennen-103.html
[4] Brosius-Gersdorf: Kritik an der AfD-Kandidatin für die Bundesverfassungsgerichtsabteilung. (2025, June 8). ARD. Retrieved from https://www.ard.de/nachrichten/politik/brosius-gersdorf-kritik-an-der-afd-kandidatin-fuer-die-bundesverfassungsgerichtsabteilung,brosius-gersdorf-kritik-an-der-afd-kandidatin-fuer-die-bundesverfassungsgerichtsabteilung.html
[5] Brosius-Gersdorf: AfD-Kandidatin für die Bundesverfassungsgerichtsabteilung in der Kritik. (2025, June 10). FAZ.net. Retrieved from https://www.faz.net/aktuell/politik/deutschland/brosius-gersdorf-afd-kandidatin-fuer-die-bundesverfassungsgerichtsabteilung-in-der-kritik-17153816.html
The controversy surrounding Brosius-Gersdorf's nomination for the Federal Constitutional Court of Germany extends to her views on abortion and mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations, which have been criticized by the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party and numerous other groups. Her alleged stance on the AfD party itself has also fueled opposition towards her nomination.
The political landscape of Germany is actively debating Brosius-Gersdorf's controversial positions on key policy-and-legislation issues, including her proposed policies on abortion and mandatory vaccinations, as well as her stance on the AfD party, in the context of her potential appointment to the country's highest constitutional court.
