Overview

• Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf cited clear public and private signals from CDU/CSU that her election was blocked when she announced her withdrawal on August 7.
• She said she stepped aside to shield her co-nominees and prevent further institutional harm from a deepening coalition dispute.
• SPD parliamentary leader Matthias Miersch expressed deep regret and pledged to present a new nominee with strong professional credentials.
• The failed appointment underscored divisions within the governing coalition and highlighted challenges in securing the two-thirds majority required in the Bundestag.
• Recent constitutional reforms empower the Bundesrat to appoint judges if the Bundestag remains deadlocked, raising the stakes for coalition compromise.