The German judiciary has expressed relief at the recently concluded election for judges to the Federal Constitutional Court, following a previous failed attempt. Sven Rebehn, Federal Managing Director of the German Judges Association (DRB), stated that the Bundestag’s successful resolution demonstrated a capacity for both action and compromise.
The initial election, narrowly averted in July, had eroded public trust. Rebehn emphasized that this trust extended not only within the governing coalition but also amongst the public, who expect a well-ordered and fitting process for selecting judges for the highly significant Federal Constitutional Court.
Heidi Reichinnek, parliamentary group leader for the Left party, also voiced her satisfaction with the outcome, highlighting that the election averted a further crisis. She, however, directed criticism towards the conservative Union parties (CDU and CSU). Reichinnek accused them of creating a “theatrical spectacle” and accelerating the politicization of the Federal Constitutional Court selection process, effectively turning it into a tool for extremist influence. She suggested that this action has significantly undermined the court’s standing.
Stephan Brandner, deputy federal spokesman for the Alternative for Germany (AfD) and a member of the Bundestag’s election committee, conversely, criticized the election of Ann-Katrin Kaufhold. Brandner asserted that her selection damages the court’s reputation and undermines the rule of law. He specifically questioned the support from CDU and CSU members, characterizing it as surprising and accusing those parties of prioritizing coalition harmony over fundamental values.
The Bundestag managed to elect Sigrid Emmenegger, Ann-Katrin Kaufhold and Günter Spinner as new judges to the Federal Constitutional Court on Thursday evening, securing the necessary two-thirds majority. The previous attempt in July to elect Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf failed when the Union parties withdrew their support for the candidate at the last minute.