Bundestag Vice President Bodo Ramelow, representing the Left party, has announced his intention to vote for Günter Spinner, the candidate for Federal Constitutional Court judge supported by the Union faction (CDU/CSU), during Friday’s parliamentary vote.
In an interview with “Der Spiegel” Ramelow stated he will cast ballots for all three candidates, including the CDU nominee. He emphasized that, like the two female candidates proposed by the SPD, Spinner is a person of integrity and beyond reproach, following a thorough review of their biographies.
Ramelow expressed concern regarding the Union’s continued refusal to engage in official discussions with the Left party concerning the selection of Constitutional Court judges. He cautioned that it is “extremely dangerous” for democratic parties to avoid prior consultation on such vital appointments to protect the integrity of the Federal Constitutional Court.
He also commented on public criticism from the Union regarding SPD’s proposed candidate, Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf. Ramelow stated he had anticipated that the Union would have consulted with its coalition partner beforehand. He underscored that any public questioning of candidates undermines the Federal Constitutional Court, a cornerstone of Germany’s legal system. He described Brosius-Gersdorf as not only a “profound legal expert” but also possessing the complete expertise required for the highest court.
The election of Constitutional Court judges requires a two-thirds majority in the Bundestag. With the Union seeking to secure a majority without the support of the AfD, their success relies on the backing of the Left party. However, the Union has recently declined renewed attempts at dialogue with the Left. The Left party has seen internal divisions on the matter, with party leader Jan van Aken previously ruling out support for the Union-backed candidate without prior consultation. He stated, “No consultation, no vote, it’s that simple”.