Members of Germany’s Green party have expressed dissatisfaction with the Social Democratic Party’s (SPD) handling of a prospective candidate for the Federal Constitutional Court. According to Britta Haßelmann, head of the Green parliamentary group, SPD faction leader Matthias Miersch has announced a candidate name without prior consultation with other democratic factions, a move she described as imprudent given the recent failed attempt to appoint a judge.
Haßelmann emphasized the need to avoid further damage to the court, potential candidates and the selection process itself, referencing what she termed the “chaotic” previous proceedings. She stated that neither the Green party nor the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) had been informed of the proposed candidate.
The lack of communication underscores a palpable lack of trust between coalition partners following the highly unusual circumstances surrounding the failed judicial appointment, Haßelmann indicated. She challenged the leadership of Jens Spahn (CDU) and Matthias Miersch to demonstrate reliability and capacity for action.
Haßelmann called for both leaders to prioritize securing a democratic process for the upcoming judge selection and stressed the necessity of discussions between all democratic factions represented in parliament to ensure a transparent and collaborative approach.
