Alexander Hoffmann, the CSU’s parliamentary group chairman, has staunchly defended his actions regarding the selection of Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf for the Federal Constitutional Court, actions that precipitated a significant coalition crisis earlier this year. While most figures within the CDU/CSU alliance (Union) opposed Brosius-Gersdorf’s candidacy, Hoffmann maintained his support for the SPD candidate until the very end.
The ensuing resistance within the Union led to the abrupt removal of the vote from the Bundestag’s agenda by parliamentary group leader Jens Spahn just prior to the scheduled vote in early July. This decision triggered a sharp deterioration in the already fragile coalition dynamic.
Speaking to the “Süddeutsche Zeitung”, Hoffmann emphasized the importance of “loyalty and reliability” for a successful coalition, acknowledging that his stance was not universally shared. He explained his past support for Brosius-Gersdorf as part of a larger package deal, asserting that his public reasoning was crucial.
Pressed on why he chose to openly advocate for his position rather than avoid controversy, Hoffmann stated, “It would have been easier to hide. But I believe it’s important to explain what one does in politics. That’s sometimes exhausting. And it creates a target. But I believe it makes politics more credible”. He described his relationship with Matthias Miersch, the SPD parliamentary group chairman, as amicable and characterized by mutual trust.
Despite the recent tensions, Hoffmann expressed optimism for the coalition’s future, confidently labeling himself, Spahn and Miersch as a “good trio”. He highlighted a retreat held in his hometown of Würzburg at the end of August as instrumental in solidifying this working relationship – a period he attributes to a distinct “Spirit of Würzburg” that underpins the current coalition agreement. This claim, while seemingly anecdotal, suggests a deliberate effort to foster unity amidst persistent ideological differences.
The CSU parliamentary group is convening this week for its traditional winter retreat in Kloster Seeon and Hoffmann is hosting the event for the first time. The retreat offers an opportunity for internal reflection and strategy formulation, but also serves as a potential barometer of the underlying tensions within the governing coalition and the ongoing balancing act required to maintain political stability. Whether the “Spirit of Würzburg” can truly withstand the pressures of divergent agendas remains to be seen, particularly given the lingering sensitivities surrounding the Brosius-Gersdorf affair and its impact on inter-party dynamics.