A dispute has arisen between the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) regarding the upcoming election for judges of Germany’s Federal Constitutional Court. Mecklenburg-Vorpommern’s Minister President, Manuela Schwesig (SPD), has urged the CDU to moderate its criticism of the proposed candidate, Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf.
Speaking to the “Ostseezeitung”, a publication belonging to the “Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland” network, Schwesig emphasized the critical need for judges of the Federal Constitutional Court to possess both exceptional legal expertise and unwavering independence. She expressed concern that the CDU appears to expect judges to incorporate political viewpoints into their rulings. “That is simply not permissible” she stated.
Schwesig underscored the importance of accepting that judges may reach decisions divergent from prevailing political opinions, highlighting that the core consideration should be the professional and personal qualifications necessary for such a significant role. She affirmed that Brosius-Gersdorf possesses these qualities, noting her successful evaluation and confirmation through the Judges’ Committee.
The election of judges for the Federal Constitutional Court was previously removed from the Bundestag’s agenda in mid-July after the CDU withdrew its support for Brosius-Gersdorf, despite a prior agreement between the two parties regarding the appointments for the three vacant positions. Schwesig has called for de-escalation, hoping to prevent an impression that the judicial selection process is influenced by political motivations.