Overview

• Fifty to sixty CDU/CSU deputies withdrew backing for SPD nominee Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf over her liberal abortion stance, forcing the abrupt removal of the judges vote from the Bundestag agenda.
• Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the setback as ‘kein Beinbruch’ and emphasized that there is no urgency for a swift resolution.
• Jens Spahn acknowledged his share of responsibility, admitting that the Union underestimated conservative objections and intervened too late to secure a majority.
• SPD parliamentary leaders reaffirmed their support for Brosius-Gersdorf and expect to secure the required two-thirds majority when the vote resumes after the summer break.
• Coalition chiefs aim to resolve the deadlock internally to avoid triggering the Bundesrat’s backup election mechanism mandated under German law.