The nomination process for Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf as a judge on Germany’s Federal Constitutional Court has been thrown into uncertainty following her sudden withdrawal and subsequent political maneuvering. CDU politician Hendrik Hoppenstedt, parliamentary secretary of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, has stated that he cannot guarantee the group’s support for the SPD candidate should she be reconsidered.
The decision to remove the nomination from the agenda for Friday’s parliamentary session followed a discernible decline in support within the CDU/CSU ranks. “The group found itself less and less receptive to the proposal over time” Hoppenstedt explained in a recent podcast interview. He further acknowledged that the initial agreement on Brosius-Gersdorf’s candidacy unraveled as wider public debate intensified, impacting its acceptance within the parliamentary group.
Hoppenstedt voiced concerns about future nomination procedures, expressing a need for stronger consideration by the parliamentary leadership regarding how such proposals are received and handled, suggesting a more critical approach to nominations from other parties.
CSU board member Emmi Zeulner criticized the public discourse surrounding Brosius-Gersdorf, highlighting the threats she has received and the questioning of her professional qualifications. Zeulner firmly stated that Brosius-Gersdorf is not an extremist.
However, Zeulner also indicated understanding towards the SPD’s potential reconsideration of their support for the candidate, arguing that withdrawing might be advisable to protect the reputation of the Federal Constitutional Court itself. The situation reflects growing tensions surrounding judicial appointments and the pressures faced by candidates in the current political climate.