The failure to elect new judges to the Federal Constitutional Court in Germany on Friday has drawn sharp criticism from former Saarland Minister-President and former Constitutional Court Justice Peter Müller. In an interview with “Süddeutsche Zeitung”, Müller expressed his disappointment, attributing the outcome to a significant lapse in leadership within the Union (CDU/CSU) parliamentary group.
Müller, who served as a judge at the Constitutional Court from 2011 to 2023, stated that the situation was unacceptable and reflected a “blatant failure of leadership”. He voiced concerns about the diminishing capacity for constructive action within Germany’s political center.
While acknowledging that reservations regarding potential Karlsruhe judges were not unprecedented, Müller emphasized that such issues had previously been resolved beforehand. He specifically questioned the strategy of soliciting the support of the SPD party for a candidate, only to discover a lack of sufficient backing within the governing coalition.
The former judge underscored the importance of diverse perspectives within the Constitutional Court, noting that the court’s effectiveness relies on this variety and prioritizes legal arguments above partisan considerations. He suggested that those attempting to inject political maneuvering into the selection process undermine the court’s integrity.
Despite the setback, Müller assured that the Constitutional Court remains functional. The retiring judges will remain in their roles until replacements are confirmed, ensuring the court can continue its work. He concluded by calling for a considered and collaborative approach from the political center to reach a new consensus.