Constitutional Court Vote Chaos: Allegations Disrupt German Politics

Germany's political landscape was thrown into turmoil on Friday when Chancellor Friedrich Merz's conservatives decided to postpone a pivotal vote to elect a Constitutional Court judge. The postponement stems from allegations of plagiarism against Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf, the judicial nominee.

Merz's Christian Democrats justified the delay due to unproven allegations made by Austrian Stefan Weber, yet it has sparked controversy. The Social Democrats and opposition Greens deem the treatment towards Brosius-Gersdorf, a staunch supporter of abortion rights, as unjust. Previously in the week, the Christian Democrats signaled their backing for her nomination.

The incident highlights the second breakdown in coalition unity over critical votes, reminiscent of Merz's own failed appointment months before. This political debacle is amplifying frustration among coalition partners, raising questions about the governance strategies of Merz and parliamentary leader Jens Spahn.

(With inputs from agencies.)