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German Bundestag Approves Constitutional Reform to Protect Judiciary from Extremist Influence

The amendment introduces a new mechanism to prevent far-right and fringe parties from obstructing the election of constitutional court judges.

  • The Bundestag passed a constitutional amendment with a two-thirds majority, aiming to safeguard the Federal Constitutional Court from anti-democratic forces like the AfD and BSW.
  • A new fallback mechanism allows the Bundesrat to elect judges if the Bundestag fails to reach a two-thirds majority within a set timeframe, and vice versa.
  • The reform also enshrines key structural elements of the court, such as its two-senate composition, into the German Constitution for added protection.
  • Critics from the AfD and BSW argue the changes undermine democratic principles, accusing mainstream parties of consolidating power and excluding their voters' representation.
  • The Bundesrat is set to vote on the amendment on Friday, with its approval being the final step for the reform to take effect.
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