Tensions are escalating within Germany’s governing coalition regarding the upcoming appointments to the Federal Constitutional Court. Members of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) have significantly sharpened their rhetoric surrounding the selection process, intensifying the ongoing dispute.
CDU Member of Parliament Saskia Ludwig, representing the state of Brandenburg, publicly urged the SPD’s parliamentary group leader, Matthias Miersch, to propose a candidate who could secure the necessary two-thirds majority. Ludwig’s comments, published in the Handelsblatt, characterized a potential SPD candidate, Professor Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf of Potsdam, as “maximally unsuitable” referring to her alleged support from individuals she labelled as “Corona fundamentalists”. Ludwig further questioned Brosius-Gersdorf’s suitability as a university professor, suggesting a review of her professional qualifications.
CDU MP Klaus-Peter Willsch echoed these sentiments, stating to the Handelsblatt that Brosius-Gersdorf was “unwählbar” – essentially, unselectable – for many within the CDU, including himself. Willsch framed her candidacy as a potential violation of fundamental principles enshrined in the German constitution, referencing Article 1 and the concept of natural law. He urged Brosius-Gersdorf to withdraw her candidacy and facilitate the selection of a candidate “less entangled in partisan political disputes.
The escalating rhetoric drew a sharp rebuke from SPD MP Ralf Stegner, who condemned Ludwig’s statements as “unacceptable”. Stegner accused CDU members of collaborating with right-wing extremists and called on CDU leaders Merz and Spahn to immediately halt what he described as “this blatant collaboration”. The exchange highlights a deepening rift within the governing coalition as the appointment process moves forward.