Bundestag Begins Vote for new federal Constitutional Court Judge
BERLIN – The German Bundestag commenced voting today, October 26, to elect a new judge to the Federal Constitutional Court. The election, which began at 3:50 p.m. CET, is expected to conclude within two hours, with results anticipated this evening. This vote follows a failed attempt in July, triggered by the withdrawal of support for a previous candidate.
The selection of a Constitutional Court judge is a critical process, as these judges wield notable power in interpreting Germany’s Basic Law and shaping legal precedent. A two-thirds majority of votes cast, alongside a majority of Bundestag members, is required for election. The current vote centers on candidate dr. Emmenegger, nominated by the SPD, after Frauke brosius-Gersdorf withdrew her candidacy following a dispute.
Bundestag Vice President Omid Nouripour (Greens) officially opened the vote. Unlike the July attempt, this election will utilize a single ballot listing all three candidates, allowing MPs to vote “yes,” “no,” or abstain. Abstentions will not be counted toward the two-thirds majority calculation.
Former Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) was observed casting his ballot in the Bundestag.
(TSP, dpa, Reuters)
