The German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has indicated a relaxed approach to parliamentary discipline within his governing coalition, despite recent controversies surrounding the failed election of judges to the Federal Constitutional Court and the coalition’s narrow majority in the Bundestag.
Speaking at a traditional press conference in Berlin ahead of the summer recess, Chancellor Merz stated that individual lawmakers should be allowed to follow their conscience on matters of political decision-making. “If a parliamentarian says this is a matter of conscience, then it is a matter of conscience” he commented. This stance applies, he clarified, not only to the selection of constitutional court judges but “to all decisions as well.
Chancellor Merz declined to elaborate further on the postponed election, asserting that “everything has already been said” on the topic. He indicated that discussions amongst the coalition partners would continue in the coming weeks, expressing confidence that both factions would handle the situation responsibly.
He emphasized a continuing “normal working relationship” between the Social Democrats (SPD) and the Christian Union (CDU), promising a fair and partnership-based approach to navigating challenging circumstances.
The coalition holds a precarious majority of 13 seats in the Bundestag, a narrow margin initially revealed during Merz’s own election to the chancellorship, a process that required a second round of voting.
