Negotiations are intensifying within the German parliament regarding the upcoming selection of judges for the Federal Constitutional Court. The Left party is urging the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Christian Social Union (CSU) to engage in discussions aimed at preventing a potential two-thirds majority being achieved with the support of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
Jan van Aken, co-leader of the Left party, expressed concern in an interview with the Rheinische Post, stating that the CDU needs to swiftly secure a democratic majority for their proposed candidate. He cautioned that presenting a candidate in a way that necessitates reliance on the AfD would create a “shared majority with fascists” potentially damaging both the CDU and the candidate’s reputation, as well as the court itself.
The parliamentary selection committee is scheduled to issue a recommendation on Monday evening concerning the filling of three vacancies on the Federal Constitutional Court. The CDU/CSU parliamentary group intends to propose Judge Günter Spinner from the Federal Labour Court for consideration.
Stephan Brandner, deputy federal spokesperson for the AfD and a member of the selection committee, has refrained from definitively stating whether his party will support the proposed candidate. A two-thirds majority of votes cast is required for a successful election in the full parliamentary session. To avoid dependence on the AfD, the current coalition government is seeking support from the Left and Green parties. The situation highlights the delicate political maneuvering surrounding the crucial appointments to Germany’s highest court.
