A dispute has emerged between the SPD and the CDU regarding the upcoming selection of judges for Germany’s Federal Constitutional Court. Mecklenburg-Vorpommern’s Minister President, Manuela Schwesig (SPD), has publicly urged the CDU to moderate its criticism of the nominated candidate, Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf.
Speaking to the “Ostseezeitung”, a publication associated with the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland, Schwesig emphasized the critical need for judges at the Federal Constitutional Court to possess both exceptional expertise and complete independence. She expressed concern that the CDU appears to expect judges to incorporate specific political viewpoints into their decisions, a stance she deemed incompatible with the role.
Schwesig stressed the necessity of accepting that judges may, at times, reach conclusions different from desired, highlighting the paramount importance of demonstrable competence and professional capability for such a high-ranking position. She asserted that Brosius-Gersdorf fulfills these requirements, a view underscored by her confirmation through the judicial committee.
The selection process was previously removed from the Bundestag’s agenda in mid-July after the CDU unexpectedly withdrew its support for Brosius-Gersdorf, despite a prior agreement between the CDU and SPD concerning the personnel for the three vacant judge positions. Schwesig cautioned against creating the impression that judicial appointments are being driven by political agendas and reiterated the requirement for a reasoned and respectful debate surrounding the nominations.
