After Spahn’s resignation, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz referred to the decision as «the correct one» and «unavoidable.» «Credibility remains the foremost asset in politics,» the chancellor emphasized.
Jens Spahn, the chairman of the CDU/CSU parliamentary faction in the Bundestag, declared his resignation amid increasing pressure linked to his choice to become a parent via surrogacy in the United States.
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In a letter addressed to members of the Union faction, Spahn stated that he had already informed German Chancellor and CDU leader Friedrich Merz, along with CSU leader Markus Söder, about his choice.
«I have notified CDU and CSU party leaders, Friedrich Merz and Markus Söder, that through this letter to our parliamentary group I am stepping down as chair of the CDU/CSU group in the Bundestag,» Spahn wrote.
He expressed gratitude to Merz and Söder for «the trust placed in me,» but explained that his «personal happiness—starting a family with my husband and becoming a father—does not align with my political role.»
Spahn added, «The challenge of reconciling my private decision to have a child through surrogacy with the justified expectations placed upon me as our group leader has become greater than I initially expected.»
He called leading the Union group a «significant honour,» acknowledging deputy Alexander Hoffmann and the entire parliamentary leadership for their «consistently trusting and courteous collaboration.»
Spahn also mentioned SPD parliamentary leader Matthias Miersch, noting that cooperation with him had served as a «stabilizing anchor for the coalition.»
Following Spahn’s resignation notice, Merz characterized the step as «right and unavoidable.»
«Credibility is the highest asset in politics,» the chancellor declared in a statement issued Saturday.
Merz pushed Spahn to step down
Just prior to the announcement, Merz reportedly urged Spahn to resign.
According to information obtained by Bild newspaper, Merz consulted several CDU state leaders regarding Spahn’s political standing on Saturday morning.
The report indicated that the party’s sentiment had turned mostly against Spahn.
The CDU local branch in Brilon, Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s hometown, had earlier called on the Union group leader to resign through an open letter.
«To preserve our party’s credibility as well as the trust of members and voters, we urge Jens Spahn to face the political consequences and resign from his post as CDU/CSU parliamentary group chair in the Bundestag,» the letter stated. Merz was born and schooled in Brilon, situated in the Sauerland area.
The local party criticized Spahn’s choice to pursue surrogacy abroad, noting it conflicts with German law and CDU’s longstanding stance against surrogacy.
«Anyone who acts as a top representative of our party yet intentionally uses options abroad that contravene German legal and ethical assessments sends a damaging message,» the letter remarked.
It added that the controversy hampers local politicians’ work and damages the party’s reputation.
CDU politician Wolfgang Bosbach also suggested Spahn ought to resign: «I hope Jens Spahn spares the Union, particularly the CDU, from a prolonged debate about whether he remains the suitable leader of the group,» Bosbach said on Deutschlandfunk radio.
In a Friday interview with Bild, Spahn mentioned he plans to consult the CDU/CSU parliamentary group «in September» about his political future.
The parliamentary group’s first regular meeting after the summer break is set for 8 September, two days following the significant state election in Saxony-Anhalt.
The matter has drawn criticism from church figures as well.
Ernst-Wilhelm Gohl, regional bishop of the Protestant Church in Württemberg, highlighted German legislation.
«When a politician openly admits to using surrogacy abroad, the situation raises issues of double standards and credibility,» Gohl stated.
Claims of double standards
Catholic bishop Stefan Oster of Passau expressed his unease.
He remarked, «If a prominent CDU politician knowingly violates the country’s laws and the party’s fundamental positions on such an important matter as surrogacy to fulfill personal wishes—and then openly supports surrogacy—I consider that a genuine scandal.»
The discussion started after Spahn and his husband Daniel Funke announced on Wednesday that they had become parents through a surrogate mother in the United States.
The topic triggered controversy in Germany where surrogacy is prohibited, and the CDU continues to oppose its legalization—a position Spahn himself upheld previously.
Critics argue Spahn benefited privately from surrogacy abroad while backing policies restricting the same option for people in Germany.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz aims to complete the succession process before the parliamentary summer recess begins, according to Der Spiegel. «The process and schedule will now be coordinated with party and parliamentary group bodies,» he remarked.
Reports suggest Spahn recently lost significant backing within the party. «The party’s perspective was clear,» an insider commented. Potential successors under discussion include Chancellery Minister Thorsten Frei, deputy parliamentary group leader Günter Krings, and Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt.