The Social Democratic Party (SPD) has firmly rejected a proposal by the Christian Social Union (CSU) advocating for entirely new candidates for the Federal Constitutional Court. SPD General Secretary Tim Klüssendorf reiterated the party’s support for Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf, emphasizing her qualifications and the shared nomination she initially received from both the SPD and the CDU.
Klüssendorf stated in an interview with the “Rheinische Post” that Brosius-Gersdorf is “an excellently qualified candidate” and highlighted the fact that she secured the necessary two-thirds majority within the judges’ election committee after a joint proposal. He suggested that the responsibility now rests with the CDU/CSU to address any reservations directly with Brosius-Gersdorf. “It would be peculiar to decline a direct conversation” he noted, expressing confidence that the conservative bloc would ultimately offer its support for her candidacy. He also pointed to the dissipation of previous plagiarism allegations against her.
Addressing broader coalition dynamics and critiques leveled at CDU parliamentary group leader Jens Spahn, Klüssendorf acknowledged the need for renewed efforts to rebuild trust. “The coalition urgently needs a robust foundation upon which to build for the remainder of the legislative term” he commented.
Despite the ongoing tensions, Klüssendorf refrained from ruling out potential SPD backing for an investigative committee concerning former Health Minister Jens Spahn’s involvement in the “mask affair”. He underscored the importance of comprehensive examination of past decisions and emphasized that the party would not preclude any measures deemed necessary for transparency and clarification. While there’s no immediate urgency, a decision on the Constitutional Court selection is anticipated before the summer recess concludes.