The upcoming election for a new judge on Germany’s Federal Constitutional Court will require the Christian Democratic Union (CDU/CSU) alliance to seek support from the Left party, creating a delicate political situation. This dependence is complicated by existing tensions arising from the recent rejection of Left party candidates for parliamentary oversight committees.
Dietmar Bartsch, the Left party’s spokesperson for budgetary policy, voiced strong disapproval of the CDU/CSU’s decision regarding the aforementioned committee appointments, describing the rejections as “unfounded and unacceptable” in an interview with “Welt” newspaper. He indicated the Left party intends to initiate a renewed vote for Heidi Reichinnek and Ines Schwerdtner, whose previous candidacies were unsuccessful. Achieving their election, Bartsch believes, would alleviate the current “absurd blockade”. He explicitly linked these upcoming votes to the forthcoming Constitutional Court election, acknowledging his party’s crucial role in securing the necessary support.
While recognizing the need for collaboration, Bartsch emphasized that any agreement will not involve quid pro quo deals. He stressed the importance of respect and decorum within parliament, advocating for a dialogue-based approach rather than a system of divide and rule. Bartsch cautioned against the perceived hypocrisy of rejecting candidates while simultaneously expecting their support for crucial votes requiring a two-thirds majority. He asserted that the CDU/CSU must actively engage with the Left party to foster a productive working relationship.
