The German Green Party parliamentary group leader, Britta Haßelmann, has cautioned the current coalition government – comprised of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Social Democratic Party (SPD) – against bypassing her party during the upcoming appointments to vacant positions on the Federal Constitutional Court. In an interview with the “taz” newspaper, Haßelmann emphasized the Green Party’s crucial role in securing a resolution.
Haßelmann stressed the importance of maintaining the original personnel proposals previously agreed upon by the CDU, SPD and the Green Party – proposals that were already confirmed by the Bundestag’s judicial selection committee. This package includes the legal scholar Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf, Ann-Katrin Kaufhold and Günter Spinner.
She specifically stated that the Green Party expects all three individuals selected by the judicial selection committee to be formally proposed to the Bundestag. Haßelmann further highlighted the expectation for CDU representatives, previously involved in nominating Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf, to continue their support.
The consideration of the appointments was recently removed from the Bundestag’s agenda following growing resistance within the CDU regarding Brosius-Gersdorf’s candidacy. While some within the CDU and CSU are advocating for a revised list of candidates, the SPD remains steadfast in its support for Brosius-Gersdorf, who has affirmed her intention to remain a candidate. A two-thirds majority within the Bundestag is required for the appointments to be confirmed, underscoring the significance of the Green Party and the Left Party’s votes in the eventual outcome.