The Left party is pressing for a greater role in the selection process for new judges at Germany’s Federal Constitutional Court, ahead of a crucial meeting of the electoral committee on Monday evening. Party leader Jan van Aken stated that the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) cannot expect unquestioning support for their proposals without prior consultation. He emphasized the Left’s demand for the right to put forward its own judicial candidates.
Van Aken argued that the CDU must engage in dialogue with his party if they seek their support to secure the necessary two-thirds majority in the Bundestag. He warned that a refusal to do so would reveal a restricted understanding of democratic principles.
Bundestag Vice President Bodo Ramelow of the Left echoed this sentiment, suggesting that engagement with his party is now a matter of practical necessity, especially given the absence of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) in the process. He characterized the current stance as a relic of the past, deeming “anti-communist posturing” unproductive.
Johannes Fechner, legal counsel and parliamentary manager for the SPD parliamentary group, also expressed support for the Left’s involvement. While acknowledging the unusual nature of the party’s assertiveness, he conceded that the Left’s backing is now critical to achieving the two-thirds majority required for confirmation. He refrained from ruling out the possibility of a Left candidate being seriously considered in the future.
The urgency of the situation was underscored by Fechner, who noted open positions in Karlsruhe necessitating prompt action. The electoral committee’s recommendations are scheduled for Monday evening, with final decisions expected to be made within the week by the Bundestag.
