The CDU has rejected a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at limiting potential AfD influence on the state’s top court.

In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, a proposed constitutional amendment by the SPD, Greens, and Left Party to protect the state’s constitutional court from potential far-right influence failed to secure the required two-thirds majority. The SPD’s parliamentary leader, Julian Barlen, described the proposal as a ‘necessary emergency brake’ to safeguard minority rights and prevent ‘destructive forces’ like the AfD from paralyzing the court. Despite his appeal to CDU lawmakers for support, the proposal was rejected, with 45 votes in favor and 26 against.

The amendment sought to introduce a backup mechanism allowing the court itself to propose candidates for judicial appointments in case of prolonged political deadlock. The CDU opposed the measure, citing concerns over rushed drafting and potential erosion of minority rights. The failure to pass the amendment means no changes will occur before the state elections in September, where the AfD is polling at 35%, ahead of the SPD at 28%.