Alexander Hoffmann, the CSU’s parliamentary group leader in the Bundestag, has staunchly defended his actions regarding the selection of Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf for the Federal Constitutional Court, highlighting a significant fault line within Germany’s ruling coalition. Unlike the majority of politicians within the CDU/CSU alliance, Hoffmann maintained his support for the SPD candidate until just days before the planned parliamentary vote in early July. This prolonged advocacy ultimately triggered a debilitating coalition crisis, forcing CDU parliamentary group leader Jens Spahn to remove the vote from the Bundestag’s agenda.
Speaking to the “Süddeutsche Zeitung”, Hoffmann emphasized the importance of “trust and reliability” for the stability of a governing coalition. While acknowledging his personal reservations about Brosius-Gersdorf, he argued that his past backing stemmed from a broader, packaged political agreement. His willingness to publicly articulate his position, despite facing considerable internal resistance, has drawn considerable attention.
“It would have been easier to remain silent, to duck” Hoffmann conceded. “However, I believe it’s crucial for politicians to explain their actions. This process can be demanding and creates vulnerabilities, but it lends credibility to politics”. He also underscored the strength of his working relationship with Matthias Miersch, the leader of the SPD parliamentary group, describing it as characterized by mutual trust.
Hoffmann expressed optimism regarding the future of the coalition, referring to himself, Spahn and Miersch as a “strong trio” strengthened through collaborative efforts, including a pivotal retreat of the faction leaders in Würzburg just last month, which he describes as fostering a unique “Spirit of Würzburg”. This sentiment points to a deliberate effort to downplay the recent tensions and emphasize unity.
The CSU is now convening its annual winter parliamentary retreat in Kloster Seeon, with Hoffmann hosting for the first time. The retreat represents an opportunity for internal reflection and strategic planning, occurring amidst simmering questions about the long-term resilience of the ruling coalition and the potential for future clashes on judicial appointments and other key policy areas. Hoffmann’s outspokenness, while presented as a commitment to transparency, may also be read as a signal of the CSU’s willingness to challenge CDU dominance within the alliance, adding another layer of complexity to Germany’s already fragile political landscape.
