Germany's Constitutional Court Faces Vacancy Crisis as Parliament Fails to Fill Key Posts

GERMANY ATTEMPTS TO FILL CONSTITUTIONAL COURT POSITIONS BERLIN, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 23, 2025 - The German parliament has been struggling to fill three vacant positions on the panel of judges in the Constitutional Court. Despite efforts by Chancellor Merz and Vice Chancellor Klingbeil, a vote on the candidates was postponed last week due to a lack of support from conservatives. According to sources, one of the main issues was the nomination of Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf, a jurist and professor, who had been nominated by the Social Democratic Party (SPD). While the opposition Greens and Left Party had signaled their intention to vote in favor of Brosius-Gersdorf, it became apparent that she would not receive enough votes from conservatives within the ruling bloc. "We were surprised when we realized that Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf wouldn't get the necessary votes," said a spokesperson for the SPD. "We thought we had a clear majority, but it turned out that wasn't the case." The Constitutional Court is one of Germany's most important institutions, responsible for ensuring that laws and government actions comply with the country's constitution. The panel of judges has been operating with three vacant positions since July, when the planned vote was postponed. "This is not just a matter of personalities or party politics," said a spokesperson for the Greens. "It's about ensuring that our Constitutional Court has the necessary expertise and independence to make decisions on important issues." The lack of support from conservatives within the ruling bloc has raised questions about the government's ability to work with opposition parties. The CDU/CSU and SPD do not command a two-thirds majority in the Bundestag, making it necessary for them to rely on opposition votes. "We need to find ways to work together more effectively," said Vice Chancellor Klingbeil. "This is not just about filling positions, but about building trust and cooperation between parties." The current situation has sparked concerns about the impact on the Constitutional Court's ability to function effectively. The court's independence and impartiality are essential for upholding the rule of law in Germany. "We hope that a solution can be found soon," said a spokesperson for the Left Party. "The people of Germany deserve to have a Constitutional Court that is free from partisan politics." Efforts are underway to find a new candidate who can command the necessary support from all parties involved. The next vote on the vacant positions is expected to take place in the coming weeks. In the meantime, the German parliament will continue to grapple with the challenges of filling these important positions. As one observer noted, "This is not just about politics; it's about ensuring that our institutions are strong and effective." *Reporting by Dw.*