Conservative Party (CDU) turns down alliance with Left Party

In a recent interview with the Funke media group's Saturday editions, CDU General Secretary Carsten Linnemann shared his views on the current state of the debt brake and the election of constitutional judges.

Regarding the debt brake, Linnemann stated that from the Union's perspective, the existing mechanism can essentially remain as it is. However, he did not specify any alternative proposals for reform. His comments come as a commission examining a potential reform of the debt brake has yet to release its results.

On the subject of constitutional judges elections, Linnemann expressed optimism about finding a candidate with a broad majority in parliament. He noted that since the Union, SPD, Greens (and previously FDP) no longer have a two-thirds majority together, they need the votes of either the Left or the AfD for the election in the Bundestag.

However, Linnemann ruled out talks with the AfD for the election of constitutional judges. He cited concerns about increasing anti-Semitic currents within the Left Party as a reason for his reluctance to engage with the party.

The election of constitutional judges in the Bundesrat follows a similar process, requiring a two-thirds majority. Linnemann did not specify how the two-thirds majority would be achieved, but he did mention that informal agreements on a distribution key for the election of constitutional judges have been made in the past among the parties.

If the Union, SPD, and Greens together no longer have a two-thirds majority in the Bundestag to elect the 16 Federal Constitutional Court judges, then either votes from the Left Party or AfD members are needed to reach the required two-thirds majority. Chancellor Merz has also stated this in the past. If the Bundestag fails to elect successors within the given timeframe, the Bundesrat can take over the election with the required two-thirds majority.

Notably, the Union had briefly withdrawn its previously promised support for a candidate at short notice. Linnemann, however, did not elaborate on this matter.

In addition, Linnemann reiterated the CDU's incompatibility resolution that excludes cooperation with both the AfD and the Left Party. The CDU, under Linnemann's leadership, has maintained this stance.

These developments underscore the complexities and challenges facing the German political landscape, particularly in relation to the debt brake reform and the election of constitutional judges. As the commission's findings on the debt brake reform are awaited, the political landscape may continue to evolve.