Following a recent disruption surrounding the postponed election of three new judges for Germany’s Federal Constitutional Court, the Green Party is urging a swift rescheduling.
Green Party parliamentary group leader Britta Haßelmann stated in an interview with “Rheinische Post” that a special parliamentary session should be convened next week to conduct the elections. She emphasized that this represents a matter of respect for the proposed candidates and for the court itself.
The situation also puts pressure on the leadership of the CDU/CSU faction, led by Jens Spahn and Chancellor Friedrich Merz, to demonstrate that the coalition government between the CDU/CSU and SPD still commands a necessary majority within the Bundestag. Haßelmann expressed a refusal to accept an extended period of uncertainty spanning the summer months.
The failed election has plunged the coalition into what Haßelmann described as a “severe crisis”. She asserted that democratic institutions have suffered substantial damage, attributing primary responsibility to Jens Spahn, Friedrich Merz and the CDU/CSU. The Green Party maintains its continued support for the three candidates proposed for the Constitutional Court.
Meanwhile, the Left Party (Die Linke) has indicated a willingness to engage in discussions, while simultaneously criticizing the CDU/CSU. Fraktionschefin Heidi Reichinnek, also speaking to “Rheinische Post” urged the CDU/CSU to clarify its political direction during the summer recess – whether to pursue a shift towards the right or a return to a more centrist approach.
Reichinnek condemned the “undignified chaos” attributed to Merz and Spahn, arguing that it irreparably damages public trust in democratic institutions. The Left Party politician also criticized the CDU/CSU’s perceived lack of respect towards the SPD, which she believes has created a significant government crisis. She further questioned whether Spahn effectively controls his faction or if he is deliberately pushing it towards right-wing extremist elements, both outcomes deemed detrimental to the country.
Reichinnek reiterated her party’s commitment to defending democracy and improving the circumstances for citizens. She stated that the Left Party is open to equitable discussions and bases its decisions on factual arguments, rather than ideology.
Concerning the conciliatory gestures displayed by Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) towards the Left Party, Reichinnek dismissed it as a transparent attempt at distraction, suggesting that Dobrindt’s sudden openness is a consequence of the damage already inflicted.