The failed election of judges to the Federal Constitutional Court has drawn criticism of the leadership of the center-right bloc, specifically targeting Jens Spahn (CDU) and his deputies Alexander Hoffmann (CSU). Former CDU General Secretary Peter Tauber voiced his concerns in an interview with the “Frankfurter Rundschau”, highlighting a lack of internal communication and strategic planning within the parliamentary group.
Tauber stated that a number of members within the center-right faction had privately expressed reservations regarding the candidacy of Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf well before the public debate commenced. He argued that the parliamentary leadership should have been aware of these concerns and proactively communicated them to the Social Democrats (SPD). He suggested a clear message should have been delivered, emphasizing the independent stance of individual members and the impossibility of enforcing strict party discipline in this particular instance, ultimately indicating an inability to support the nomination.
Tauber characterized the situation as a matter of political acumen and dismissed suggestions that right-wing circles exerted undue influence. He indicated that the perceived impact of these groups is often inflated. An analysis by the think tank “Polisphere” revealed that influential figures within the far-right spectrum began mobilizing against Brosius-Gersdorf early on. Initially, their arguments centered on her considerations regarding vaccine mandates and party ban proceedings; however, the issue of abortion subsequently gained greater prominence, often accompanied by inaccurate representations of the judge’s views.
Despite the current impasse, Tauber remains optimistic about resolving the conflict surrounding the judge selection. He believes there was an expectation and eagerness for public division, leading to amplified scrutiny. He emphasized the importance of meticulous procedural adherence to ensure a successful outcome.