Spahn backs Wüst in the disagreement concerning the proposed judicial nominee - Supporter Wüst Backs Spahn in Judge Matter
The election of a candidate for Germany’s Federal Constitutional Court has been suspended due to a political dispute centred around allegations of plagiarism and concerns about expertise raised against SPD nominee Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf. The conservative Union (CDU/CSU), which is part of the governing coalition alongside the SPD, has objected to her candidacy, citing doubts about her suitability and the plagiarism suspicions.
Jens Spahn, a prominent member of the CDU and former health minister, has found himself at the heart of the dispute, representing the Union faction that opposes Brosius-Gersdorf’s candidacy and supporting the postponement of the vote. Hendrik Wüst, the Minister-President of North Rhine-Westphalia and a leading CDU figure, has also expressed solidarity with Spahn, albeit without a central role being documented in mainstream summaries of this particular dispute.
The Union had initially confirmed Brosius-Gersdorf in the judicial election committee. However, her nomination has been opposed due to her liberal stance on abortions and her demand for mandatory vaccination during the corona pandemic. This opposition has led to a deadlock between the coalition partners and prompted criticism from other parties, such as the Greens and the SPD, who argue that the delay undermines the court’s credibility.
In a special session of the CDU/CSU faction, Spahn emphasised the Union’s interest in a stable alliance with the SPD. Meanwhile, Wüst, who made this statement during the NRW Youth Union day in Gummersbach, praised Spahn’s humility and political leadership in taking responsibility for the situation. He also emphasised Spahn’s handling of the situation as offensive and solution-seeking, and expressed support for Spahn, stating that advocating for the protection of life should not be labelled as right-wing extremism.
Both Spahn and Wüst are from western Münsterland and have known each other since their youth. Spahn is under pressure for not being able to close Union ranks in time, and the task remains for him to demonstrate stability, as stated by the CDU politician. The election of two SPD judicial candidates was also suspended alongside the Union-nominated candidate, although this fact is inferred from the context.
The matter remains a point of contention for the coalition’s unity, with the Union faction leadership having spoken out in favour of Brosius-Gersdorf’s election and assuring the coalition partner of their support for the personnel matter. The suspension of the election has raised questions about the stability of the coalition and the ability of the two parties to work together effectively.
[1] https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/bundestag-verfassungsrichter-101.html [2] https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/verfassungsrichterwahl-frauke-brosius-gersdorf-unter-feuer-der-union-a-63056942.html [3] https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/article216450677/Verfassungsrichterwahl-Brosius-Gersdorf-unter-Feuer-der-Union.html
- The Commission, in following the general news, has also been informed of the ongoing political dispute and policy-and-legislation implications surrounding the progress of negotiations between the German government and the applicant countries, which is partly influenced by the suspension of the election of a candidate for Germany’s Federal Constitutional Court due to allegations of plagiarism and concerns about expertise.
- This political conflict, centred around Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf's candidacy for the Federal Constitutional Court, has coincided with ongoing discussions about policy matters, including her liberal stance on abortions and her demand for mandatory vaccination, which have caused controversy and delays in the elections, raising questions about the stability of the coalition and the ability of its parties to work together effectively in politics.
