A leading constitutional lawyer has voiced concerns regarding the political maneuvering surrounding the upcoming selection of a judge for Germany’s Federal Constitutional Court, suggesting a strategic advantage for the conservative Union faction lies in supporting Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf.
Speaking to the “Rheinische Post”, Alexander Thiele argued that Brosius-Gersdorf represents a viable compromise candidate due to her views, which he stated broadly align with those of the CDU and CSU parties, particularly in the realm of economic policy. He cautioned that rejecting her could potentially lead the SPD to nominate a more ideologically driven candidate, presenting a challenge for the Union to reject in the future.
Thiele expressed a broader worry that the contentious debate surrounding Brosius-Gersdorf’s nomination could discourage future candidates from seeking appointments to the court. He emphasized the inherent public scrutiny faced by constitutional lawyers and the need for political structures to provide protection for potential nominees. He asserted that Brosius-Gersdorf has, to date, been underserved by this protective environment.
The lawyer also highlighted concerns regarding an emerging online campaign targeting Ann-Katrin Kaufhold, the SPD’s second candidate, with critics attempting to frame her as a climate activist. He implied that such tactics could further erode the willingness of qualified individuals to participate in the nomination process.