Following the failed constitutional judge election on Friday, internal criticism has emerged regarding the actions of Jens Spahn, parliamentary group leader of the CDU/CSU, who justified removing the item from the agenda citing sudden allegations of plagiarism against legal expert Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf.
CDU Bundestag member Thomas Bareiß expressed discomfort with the timing and circumstances surrounding the accusations, telling “the Tagesspiegel” newspaper, “The suddenly appearing plagiarism allegations triggered a very unsettling feeling in me”. He suggested the situation felt deliberately orchestrated.
Bareiß argued that greater discretion regarding the plagiarism claims would have been preferable, stating that he felt a need to protect the candidate’s reputation. He acknowledged disagreements with Brosius-Gersdorf’s viewpoints but stressed the importance of careful consideration in such sensitive matters, particularly for the Christian Democratic Union.
The criticism wasn’s limited to his own party; Bareiß also faulted the SPD, stating that both parties had not covered themselves in glory. He specifically referenced the SPD’s immediate announcement on Friday to maintain support for their nominated candidate, deeming it a hasty move that “was certainly not clever”. He argued the action complicated the ongoing process and ultimately harmed the candidate.
Bareiß is now calling on the SPD to propose an alternative candidate, emphasizing that concerns regarding Brosius-Gersdorf extend beyond the CDU and CSU, with “outstanding representatives” within the SPD also expressing “very critical” views. The situation underscores the complexities surrounding the selection process and highlights the need for a more considered approach moving forward.