BERLIN - The German Bundestag's attempt to elect new judges to the Constitutional Court has failed due to intense political disagreements, highlighting the challenges in achieving the required two-thirds majority [1][2]. The crisis, which unfolded on July 11, 2025, centered around the controversial candidacy of Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf, nominated by the Social Democratic Party (SPD) [2][3].

The Union parties, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz and parliamentary group leader Jens Spahn, withdrew their support for Brosius-Gersdorf, citing concerns over her liberal stances [1]. The situation was further complicated by recent plagiarism allegations against the candidate [2][3].

According to reports, the plagiarism claims originated from Stefan Weber, a controversial 'plagiarism hunter'. Weber alleged 23 'suspicious passages' in Brosius-Gersdorf's dissertation, comparing it to her husband's habilitation thesis [2][3]. However, political communication consultant Johannes Hillje pointed out on social media that the allegations relate to Brosius-Gersdorf's 1997 dissertation and her husband's 1998 work, raising questions about the validity of the claims [2].

The failure to elect new judges has left the coalition appearing divided and unable to act effectively. The planned vote, typically a routine parliamentary procedure, was abruptly removed from the agenda following crisis meetings [1]. This development marks a significant setback for the new black-red coalition as it heads into the summer recess.

The controversy surrounding Brosius-Gersdorf's candidacy is not isolated. Earlier disagreements between the Union and their former coalition partners, the Greens, over the nomination of Robert Seegmüller, a judge known for his conservative views, had already created tensions in the selection process [4].

As the Bundestag grapples with this impasse, questions arise about the potential long-term implications for the Constitutional Court and the broader political landscape in Germany. The failure to reach a consensus on these crucial appointments underscores the deep political divisions within the parliament and the challenges facing the current administration.