Here’s a breakdown of the core missteps and issues highlighted in the article regarding the failed appointment of judge Brosius-Gersdorf to the Constitutional Court:
Defamation & Misrepresentation: Brosius-gersdorf was subjected to a smear campaign,falsely labeled as “left-wing radical” and her views on abortion were misrepresented in the media.
Ultra-Conservative Influence: The campaign against her was substantially fueled by the ultra-conservative Spanish NGO, Citizengo, suggesting external interference.
Political Motivation & Bad Faith: CDU MP Saskia Ludwig spearheaded the criticism, including plagiarism allegations, and has ties to the AfD (far-right party), raising questions about the motives behind the attacks.
Coalition Breakdown & Lack of Support: The Union (CDU/CSU) failed to adequately support Brosius-Gersdorf, even refusing a direct conversation with her. This lack of support from a coalition partner was a key factor in her withdrawal.
Broken Promises: Union faction leader Jens Spahn initially gave his word to support her, but ultimately didn’t uphold it, leading to criticism from the Greens.
Escalating Hostility & Threats: Brosius-Gersdorf received threats and suspicious mail as a direct result of the campaign.
Damage to Coalition Trust & Government Approval: the entire episode has severely damaged trust between the SPD and the Union, making future cooperation more challenging. Government approval ratings have plummeted, and trust in CDU leader Friedrich Merz has also significantly declined.
Signal of Democratic Weakness: The Left party views the success of the right-wing campaign as a negative sign for the health of German democracy.
In essence, the article portrays a situation where a qualified candidate was driven out due to a politically motivated smear campaign, exacerbated by a lack of support from within the governing coalition, and ultimately damaging the stability and public perception of the German government.
