The controversy surrounding Brosius-Gersdorf arose after questionable plagiarism allegations and a perceived smear campaign targeting her stance on abortion. Last month, she withdrew her candidacy, citing the need to prevent a coalition dispute over judicial appointments from escalating and potentially harming democracy.
This situation highlighted divides within the coalition and its fragility, given the government’s narrow parliamentary majority and the rise of radical parties. With the far-right Alternative for Germany now the second-largest party in the Bundestag, Merz’s centrist coalition controls only 52 percent of the seats, making it susceptible to minor disputes and defections.
Merz’s government hopes that, following the votes to appoint three top court judges, the coalition can move past this emotional debate and focus on pressing economic and pension reforms.
“Today’s vote brings an end to a period of uncertainty,” said Jens Spahn, leader of the conservative faction in the Bundestag. “We as a coalition, the conservatives and the SPD, have come through the summer recess in good shape. We have found our footing.”
Rasmus Buchsteiner and Hans von der Burchard contributed to this report.
Leave a Reply