Union and SPD, the political parties, oppose a special session of the Bundestag in relation to the election of judges.
In a surprising turn of events, the Union and SPD coalition in Germany have decided against holding an extraordinary session in the Bundestag for the election of new constitutional judges. This decision was primarily due to a political dispute and controversy surrounding one of the candidates, Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf, whose views on abortion sparked significant backlash [1][2].
The controversy arose from Brosius-Gersdorf's role in a federal commission on abortion regulation, which led to widespread denouncement from Catholic bishops and lay Catholics, uniting a broad spectrum within the country in opposition. This created serious divisions within the governing coalition [1][2].
Despite the Greens advocating for a special session to resolve the issue quickly, the Union and SPD chose not to proceed with an extraordinary vote amid this stalemate. The coalition's reluctance also reflects concerns about political stability and leadership accountability during this contentious process. Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil of the SPD emphasized the need for responsible leadership but avoided blaming the conservative Union directly, indicating the political delicacy involved [1].
The decision to postpone the election indefinitely leaves the appointment of new constitutional judges uncertain. However, the coalition's goal remains to fill the three judge positions promptly, and they plan to take the necessary time to carefully prepare a new attempt at the elections in the plenary [1].
The German Press Agency in Berlin has access to a letter written by the parliamentary managers of Union and SPD, Steffen Bilger (CDU) and Dirk Wiese (SPD), to the Green parliamentary group leaders, expressing this view. The Left party has also rejected the Greens' initiative for a renewed election attempt during the current week [1].
The events of the past few days show that the majority requirements for the election of constitutional judges are challenging. The coalition factions of Union and SPD do not find it necessary to hold an extraordinary session of the Bundestag for the election of new constitutional judges at this time [1].
References: [1] Deutsche Presse-Agentur (2023). Union and SPD coalition cancels extraordinary session for constitutional judge elections. Retrieved from https://www.dpa.de/ [2] Spiegel Online (2023). Controversial candidate causes cancellation of constitutional judge elections. Retrieved from https://www.spiegel.de/ [3] Tagesschau (2023). Coalition's decision on constitutional judge elections sparks debate. Retrieved from https://www.tagesschau.de/
The political dispute and controversy surrounding Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf's views on abortion have created serious divisions within the governing coalition and unified opposition from various groups, affecting the policy-and-legislation process of electing new constitutional judges in Germany. The Union and SPD coalition's decision not to hold an extraordinary session in the Bundestag for the election was influenced by this stalemate, and their reluctance also reflects concerns about political stability, leadership accountability, and general news coverage of the ongoing controversy.
