Ahead of Friday’s election for two judges on the German Federal Constitutional Court, Heidi Reichinnek, a parliamentarian from the Left party, has accused the center-right bloc (Union) of being willing to collaborate with the Alternative for Germany (AfD).
Speaking to Politico, Reichinnek expressed concern that the Union risks pushing forward a proposal in conjunction with the AfD, a party with established links to the far-right. She emphasized that her party intends to avoid partisan maneuvering and prioritize substantive issues over political deal-making. “We will not engage in bargaining. Unlike the Union, our focus is not on ideology, but on the matter at hand” she stated.
Regarding the judge selection process, Reichinnek insisted that all members of the Federal Constitutional Court should command robust backing from a democratic majority. She urged the Union to engage in broad consultations with all democratic forces, noting that they have thus far failed to do so effectively.
Reichinnek confirmed that the Left party will ensure the attendance of its parliamentarians, barring illness, during the election.
Expanding her criticism, Reichinnek is calling on the CDU/CSU to demonstrate flexibility not only in the judge selection process, but also in oversight bodies and investigative committees. Her plea centers on the principle of democratic accountability, questioning whether the AfD is being utilized as a tool for leverage. She proposed a collaborative approach, advocating for working together “with all democrats” to counter a far-right party and ensure parliamentary oversight.