Disagreements have emerged among German parliamentary groups regarding the nomination of Sigrid Emmenegger to the Federal Constitutional Court. The Green Party and the Left party have expressed reservations over the process led by the governing coalition of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Social Democratic Party (SPD).
Britta Hasselmann, parliamentary group leader of the Greens, told “Stern” magazine that while her party had received a name for a potential candidate, they would need time to discuss it. She criticized the coalition’s lack of consultation, calling it “richly unprofessional” given previous experiences.
Clara Bünger, domestic policy spokesperson for the Left party and member of the Bundestag’s electoral committee, echoed these concerns, calling for immediate talks with the coalition to ensure democratic majorities and prevent further instability. Bünger also urged the CDU to engage directly in discussions, rejecting any attempts to hide behind the SPD.
Bünger expressed surprise that Emmenegger’s name was made public before all outstanding questions were resolved, referencing past incidents. She specifically warned the CDU against participating in “right-wing agitational campaigns” aimed at damaging the candidate’s reputation. The Left party stated that it will deliberate on the nomination within its parliamentary group in the coming days.
The Alternative for Germany (AfD) announced its intention to scrutinize Emmenegger’s background and views. Stephan Brandner, AfD’s deputy federal spokesperson and member of the electoral committee, stated they would “carefully examine” her and expected her to present herself to their parliamentary group if she engages with others.
Carmen Wegge, the SPD’s legal policy spokesperson, expressed optimism that Emmenegger will secure the necessary two-thirds majority in the Bundestag. Wegge described Emmenegger as a “strong and progressive woman” with “undisputed professional expertise” and welcomed the renewed agreement with the CDU. She expressed hope that the nomination process can now proceed.
Securing a seat on the Federal Constitutional Court requires a two-thirds majority in the Bundestag, meaning Emmenegger will need support beyond the CDU/CSU and SPD coalition factions, potentially from the Greens, the Left, or the AfD.
The selection of Verfassungsrichter was previously complicated by the failure to elect Juraprofessorin Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf before the summer parliamentary recess, when the CDU unexpectedly withdrew its prior support.