A prominent German political party, Die Linke, is formally requesting a greater voice in the selection process for judges appointed to the Federal Constitutional Court (Bundesverfassungsgericht). Party leader Jan van Aken revealed in an interview with the “Rheinische Post” that a letter has been sent to the parliamentary groups of the Union, SPD and Green parties outlining this demand.
The core of Die Linke’s proposal revolves around a revised nomination formula, ensuring the party’s ability to put forward judicial candidates. Van Aken emphasized a willingness to support candidates proposed by other parties, even if they aren’t the party’s preferred choice, while also advocating for the reciprocal opportunity to nominate individuals.
He described the proposed adjustment as a “normal procedure” and a “completely reasonable solution” questioning the rationale behind the current system which grants nomination rights to the Free Democratic Party (FDP) while excluding Die Linke.
Currently, the existing agreement dictates that each senate of the Federal Constitutional Court comprises three judges nominated by the Union and SPD and one judge each nominated by the Green Party and the FDP. This structure has historically excluded Die Linke and the Alternative for Germany (AfD) from participation in the judge nomination process. The request signals a desire for increased representation within a pivotal institution of the German judicial system.