Negotiations surrounding the selection of new judges for Germany’s Federal Constitutional Court are entering a delicate phase, with the parliamentary group of “Die Linke” signaling a potential shift in their position. Ines Schwerdtner, leader of the party, stated in an interview with “Stern” magazine that a decision regarding their vote will be made collectively on Friday, leaving the outcome presently open.
The current impasse stems from the Christian Democratic Union’s (CDU) reluctance to engage in discussions with “Die Linke” citing a pre-existing prohibition on cooperation. Critics within “Die Linke” express concern that the CDU believes it can secure the necessary votes without their support, a perspective Schwerdtner characterized as “arrogant” warning of potential negative consequences.
The possibility of a candidate being elected with the support of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has amplified the urgency of the situation. Schwerdtner emphasized the CDU’s responsibility to ensure a majority is formed by democratic parties, cautioning that failure to do so would be their fault.
Beyond the court appointments, Schwerdtner also expressed the expectation that “Die Linke” will be included in deliberations regarding a planned reform of Germany’s debt brake (Schuldenbremse). This reform, like the judicial selection process, requires a two-thirds majority in parliament. She asserted her party should be involved not just as a voting bloc, but as a key contributor to the discussion and decision-making process surrounding the proposed changes.
