Following the resignation of CDU parliamentary group leader Jens Spahn, the Union party is hoping to conclude all personnel debates as quickly and quietly as possible, particularly in the wake of the ongoing debate surrounding surrogacy. The succession to Spahn is scheduled to be determined on July 29th during a special session of the parliamentary group. Currently, Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz has not published an official personnel proposal, and he remained reserved about the issue on Tuesday. Speaking after a meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Alijew at the Chancellery, Merz stated that he would submit a proposal to the parliamentary group “shortly” alongside CSU leader Markus Söder. He also mentioned discussions with the Bundestag parliamentary group, noting, “I held a detailed video conference with the state group chairmen this morning. So we are listening to the parliamentary group internally, to what their requirements and wishes are.” Consequently, he added that they would “take a little more time” before making a decision.
Several names are candidates for the parliamentary group chair. Chancellery director Thorsten Frei (CDU) is considered a favored choice, though he would himself need to be replaced in the cabinet. Other potential candidates include CDU vice-leader Günter Krings, who was recently unsuccessful in a vote for the chairmanship of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, and senior figures such as CDU General Secretary Carsten Linnemann and Federal Minister of the Interior Alexander Dobrindt (CSU). It remains unclear if former Union parliamentary group leader Ralph Brinkhaus (CDU) plans to re-enter the running.
Spahn faced increasing criticism last week over his decision to use a surrogate mother in the United States. Massive external pressure, as well as internal pressure from the Union, led to his resignation on Saturday. Previously, Spahn had championed the cause of keeping the surrogacy model illegal in Germany, a stance confirmed again at the CDU federal party conference this spring. His political future following the resignation is still uncertain, though Merz stated on Tuesday that he would not offer him any public “advice” on the matter.
In a contrasting situation, Hendrik Streeck (CDU), the Federal Commissioner for Drugs, is reportedly also a user of surrogate services in the US. However, he does not appear to be facing threats to his position. Government spokesman Stefan Kornelius told dts Nachrichtenagentur that the federal government “will not participate in a debate about Mr. Streeck.” He confirmed that Professor Streeck has confirmed the parenthood of his son and his wife, but stated that no public commentary on the circumstances would be made, stressing that this is necessary “in order to protect the child and to respect family privacy.” Kornelius further asserted that “no accusation of hypocrisy can be seen” in Streeck and there is no question of his “political credibility.” This follows a report in the magazine “Die Bunte” in April, which cited the federal drug commissioner confirming the birth of their son in the United States. At the time, the Commissioner quoted the magazine: “Yes, we can confirm that we have become parents. We are incredibly happy about the birth of our son. Suddenly, there is a whole new meaning in our life.”
