The German government has responded cautiously to criticism from Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier regarding the recently postponed judicial election within the Bundestag.
Government spokesman Stefan Kornelius, addressing inquiries from the dts Nachrichtenagentur on Monday in Berlin, stated that the government had “taken note of the Federal President’s remarks with respect”. When questioned about the divergent views expressed between Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) and President Steinmeier concerning the urgency of the situation, Kornelius emphasized the independence of each constitutional body and referred to Chancellor Merz’s detailed comments made on Sunday.
“I would also like to say that this matter falls within the responsibility of another constitutional body, namely the German Bundestag” Kornelius added, indicating that the expectation now is for the parliamentary factions to take the next steps.
President Steinmeier, in a Sunday interview with ZDF, had stated that the governing coalition had “harmed itself” through the failed election of constitutional judges. He also stressed the need for a timely decision regarding the new judicial appointments. In contrast, Chancellor Merz characterized the situation as “not a major setback” and asserted that there was “no pressing need” for immediate action.