Germany: Spahn resigns amid surrogacy row as presidential debate intensifies

German politics is currently shaped by two major developments. First, Jens Spahn is stepping down from his position as the CDU district chairman in Münsterland. This follows his resignation as parliamentary group leader after a controversy regarding his decision to use a surrogate in the United States, a practice currently prohibited in Germany. The discrepancy between his personal actions and his party’s conservative family policies has led to significant criticism and calls for his complete withdrawal from politics.

In response to the Spahn controversy, some CDU members, including Anne König, have proposed adopting an ‘Italian model’ to extend Germany’s surrogacy ban to include arrangements made abroad.

Separately, discussions regarding the succession of Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier are underway. The SPD is advocating for a female successor, stating, ‘It is high time for a woman in the office of Federal President.’ While the SPD has not named a candidate, potential female figures discussed within the Union include Ilse Aigner, Karin Prien, Julia Klöcker, and Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer. The coalition intends to finalize a candidate after the state elections in September, with the election scheduled for January 27.