Disagreements have emerged among parliamentary groups regarding the proposed appointment to Germany’s Federal Constitutional Court. The Greens and Left parties expressed reservations concerning the process undertaken by the ruling coalition of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Social Democratic Party (SPD), leaving open the possibility of supporting the candidate, Sigrid Emmenegger.
Britta Hasselmann, leader of the Green parliamentary group, told “Der Stern” that they had also received a name for a potential candidate and would engage in discussions shortly. She noted, “That we were not consulted beforehand is rather unprofessional, given what happened previously.
The Left party echoed these concerns, with Clara Bünger, parliamentary spokesperson for domestic policy and member of the Bundestag’s electoral committee, stating to the “Rheinische Post” that the coalition must urgently initiate talks to secure democratic majorities and prevent further complications.
Bünger specifically called for dialogue with the CDU, urging them to engage directly, rather than relying on the SPD as an intermediary, adding, “The CDU must not hide behind the SPD, but must finally abandon its ideological blindfolds and sit down at a table with us.
She expressed surprise that the name of the candidate was made public before all outstanding questions were resolved, referencing past events and cautioning the CDU against involvement in “right-wing smear campaigns” aimed at damaging the candidate’s reputation. The Left party intends to deliberate on the proposal within their parliamentary group in the coming days.
The Alternative for Germany (AfD) announced its intention to review the candidate’s qualifications and position. Stephan Brandner, the party’s deputy federal spokesperson and a member of the Bundestag’s electoral committee, told the “Rheinische Post” that they would “carefully examine the new candidate and their positions” and expected her to present herself to their parliamentary group if she engages with other groups.
Carmen Wegge, the SPD’s legal policy spokesperson, expressed optimism that the candidate would secure the necessary two-thirds majority in the Bundestag, describing Emmenegger as a “strong and progressive woman with unquestionable professional expertise”. She welcomed the renewed agreement with the CDU and anticipates that the candidates will soon be elected.
Electing Constitutional Court judges requires a two-thirds majority in the Bundestag, meaning Emmenegger’s success hinges on the support of CDU/CSU and SPD factions, as well as the backing of either the Greens and Left parties or the AfD.
The selection process was previously disrupted before the summer recess, when the election of law professor Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf as a Constitutional Court judge failed after the CDU withdrew its previously assured support.
