Politico journalist Gordon Repinski was ejected on Monday from a joint party hosted by the CDU/CSU and SPD parliamentary factions. Earlier that evening, Jens Spahn (CDU), Matthias Miersch (SPD), and Alexander Hoffmann (CSU) had gathered at the “Ossis Bar” in the underground section of the German Parliamentary Society.
Repinski stated that he had also been formally invited to the event, though he claims journalists were not ultimately welcome despite the invitation. Citing the Parliamentary Director of the CDU/CSU faction, Hendrik Hoppenstedt, Repinski recounted hearing the statement: “Of course, we like you, but today only for Members of Parliament”. He added that Jens Spahn reportedly agreed with this comment.
Before being removed, Repinski observed that the initial atmosphere involved mingling in groups with drinks, which tended to be divided between SPD and Union members. Specifically, he noted seeing Matthias Miersch grouped with Lina Seitzl, followed shortly after by Jakob Blankenburg and then Paul Ziemiak.
Looking ahead, Spahn is scheduled to stand for re-election as the leader of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group on Tuesday afternoon. This is standard procedure exactly twelve months into the legislative period, and it is not expected that any candidate will challenge him.
