Haßelmann attributed responsibility to both Jens Spahn of the CDU and his party’s faction for failing to support their leader on the issue, as well as to the governing coalition as a whole She noted that two candidates selected by the judge selection committee are currently awaiting formal election to the court, emphasizing that finalizing the process is a matter of both respect and courtesy
The Green Party and The Left Party have voiced criticism regarding the lack of communication from the coalition factions concerning a renewed attempt to select judges Haßelmann pointed out that securing a successful election requires support from opposition parties during this parliamentary term, but that no consultations regarding potential candidates have been initiated with her party
She also commented on the approach of SPD parliamentary group leader Matthias Miersch, stating that announcing a potential candidate without revealing their name reflects a deep level of distrust between the coalition partners Haßelmann called for timely discussions with democratic factions in the Bundestag to ensure a democratic majority for the judge selection
Clara Bünger, deputy leader of The Left Party’s parliamentary group, dismissed criticism leveled by the CDU towards The Left Party, stating that party leader Friedrich Merz is more willing to collaborate than CDU representative Jens Spahn Bünger urged the CDU to take responsibility, engage in dialogue and seek stable majorities for the Federal Constitutional Court instead of pursuing right-wing campaigns
The Federal Constitutional Court comprises 16 judges, appointed equally by the Bundestag and the Bundesrat (the upper house of parliament) A two-thirds majority is required for appointments in both chambers, leading to an informal agreement between parties regarding a distribution key based on their respective sizes With the CDU, SPD, Greens and previously the FDP, no longer able to collectively achieve a two-thirds majority in the Bundestag, they now require the support of The Left Party – or the Alternative for Germany (AfD) – to appoint judges
