Federal Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig (SPD) recently lauded the Federal Constitutional Court on the occasion of its 75th anniversary. Speaking to the “Rheinische Post”, Hubig stated that without the Constitutional Court, the Republic “would not be the same,” adding that Karlsruhe has significantly shaped the nation, turning the Constitution into “a bulwark of freedom and democracy.”
The Minister commented that the Constitution serves as a document whose promises citizens can trust, boasting a temporal and intellectual scope far exceeding that of its founders. Hubig explained that the Court offers answers to major contemporary questions-from climate protection and the right to education to end-of-life self-determination and gender rights-which is why the Court commands such high respect domestically and internationally.
While expressing pride and joy that the Constitutional Court is celebrating its birthday, Hubig cautioned that this day must also serve as a reminder of major challenges facing both the Court and the nation.
The German Justice Minister stressed that the constitutional order and the fundamental dignity and freedom of all people are not self-evident. She warned against relying solely on the 16 distinguished judges in Karlsruhe to preserve these principles. Hubig emphasized that even the world’s finest Constitutional Court-which Germany possesses-cannot safeguard freedom and democracy alone, nor can any constitution replace the essential work of political debate and striving for the right solutions. “It depends on every one of us,” the Minister concluded.
The Federal Constitutional Court was established nearly 75 years ago, on September 28, 1951. Next Monday, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) are expected to attend the formal celebration.
