Following a recent disruption surrounding the postponed election of three new judges for the Federal Constitutional Court, the Green Party is pressing for a swift rescheduling.
Green Party parliamentary group leader Britta Haßelmann, in comments to the “Rheinische Post” stated a special parliamentary session should be convened next week to conduct the elections. She emphasized that this is a matter of respect for the proposed candidates and for the Constitutional Court itself.
The situation also puts pressure on the leadership of the Union faction, represented by Jens Spahn and Chancellor Friedrich Merz (both CDU), to demonstrate that the coalition between the Union and SPD still commands a necessary majority within the Bundestag. Haßelmann rejected the prospect of a prolonged stalemate extending through the summer months, leaving the nation uncertain regarding the stability of the government.
The aborted election has reportedly plunged the coalition into a “serious crisis” inflicting substantial damage to democratic institutions. Haßelmann directly attributed responsibility for this damage, primarily to Jens Spahn, Friedrich Merz and the Union. The Green Party remains steadfast in its support for all three candidates proposed for the Federal Constitutional Court.
Meanwhile, the Left Party has expressed openness to dialogue while sharply criticizing the Union’s actions. Left Party parliamentary group leader Heidi Reichinnek, also speaking to the “Rheinische Post” urged the Union to utilize the summer recess to clarify its future political direction: either continuing a trajectory perceived as shifting to the right, or returning to a more centrist position.
Reichinnek characterized the “indecent chaos” orchestrated by Merz and Spahn as severely diminishing public trust in democratic institutions. She accused the Union of demonstrating a lack of respect for the SPD, its coalition partner and of driving the government into a “massive crisis”. Reichinnek questioned whether Spahn maintains control of his faction, suggesting a potential deliberate attempt to steer them towards the extreme right, which she deemed detrimental to the coming years.
The Left Party reaffirmed its commitment to defending democracy and improving the living situation for citizens. Reichinnek emphasized a willingness to engage in open and equitable discussions, basing decisions on factual arguments rather than ideology.
In reference to Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt’s (CSU) recent openness to dialogue with the Left Party, Reichinnek suggested it as a transparent tactic to divert attention from the damage already done.
