Jens Spahn, the former CDU parliamentary group leader, has reportedly decided to step down from the Bundestag’s Budget Committee. According to reports by Der Spiegel, Spahn shared his decision via a WhatsApp group used by CDU budget committee members, stating that after thoughtful consideration over the weekend, he would be foregoing his seat. He explained that his personal life is currently so politicized that performing typical work would be nearly impossible. Furthermore, Spahn noted that his withdrawal in July is still too recent to jump back in fully, as if nothing had happened.
In coordination with parliamentary group leader Thorsten Frei, Spahn states that he will temporarily focus on his work for his constituency and his family. He added that the specific areas he will concentrate on in the future will be decided at a later date. He offered his best wishes to the working group for the upcoming budget discussions.
This move appears to be a reaction to mounting discontent within his own party following a trip he took to Sardinia last week. During that time, he was unable to attend the Budget Committee meeting on Wednesday. His spokesperson had previously indicated that Spahn was on the Italian holiday island due to “family reasons.” Sources inside the committee further informed Spiegel that Spahn had also missed the meeting held the preceding Thursday morning, for which an excused absence had been provided and a substitute organized.
