Jens Spahn steps down as CDU parliamentary group leader
Senior German Christian Democratic Union (CDU) politician Jens Spahn has resigned as chairman of the party’s parliamentary group following controversy over his use of a surrogate mother in the United States. Germany prohibits surrogacy, and the CDU has consistently supported this ban, reaffirming its position at a party congress in February 2025.
Spahn announced his decision in a letter to colleagues on Saturday, July 18, 2025, stating that starting a family with his husband had become incompatible with his political responsibilities. “In recent days, I have come to realise that my personal happiness in starting a family with my husband and becoming a father is incompatible with my political office,” Spahn wrote in the letter obtained by AFP.
Chancellor Merz accepts resignation, cites credibility
Chancellor Friedrich Merz accepted Spahn’s resignation, describing it as “right and unavoidable.” While praising Spahn’s role in returning the CDU to government, Merz emphasised, “Credibility is the most valuable asset in politics.” The chancellor had earlier indicated that the CDU’s national executive committee would discuss the matter, reiterating he saw no reason to amend Germany’s surrogacy ban or change the party’s opposition to the practice.
Spahn initially defended his decision in a podcast interview with Bild newspaper on Friday, July 17, stating he had “wrestled” with the surrogacy issue before choosing to pursue parenthood through the process. He later acknowledged that balancing his private decision with leading the CDU parliamentary group proved more difficult than anticipated.
Criticism from within CDU and opposition
The controversy drew sharp criticism from both inside and outside the CDU. Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania regional chairman Daniel Peters called Spahn’s decision “completely unacceptable.” Hubert Hueppe, head of the party’s senior members’ group, said he was “personally shocked,” arguing the issue centred on potential exploitation of women through surrogacy.
Opposition politicians accused Spahn of hypocrisy. Luigi Pantisano of the Left Party (Die Linke) said the episode exposed a double standard, arguing that ordinary citizens must follow the law while wealthy politicians can seek alternatives abroad. Green Party parliamentary leader Franziska Brantner described the resignation as overdue, noting the surrogacy controversy was only the latest issue surrounding the former minister, though she wished him well in his personal life.
Background and political career
Spahn, 46, served as Germany’s health minister during the COVID-19 pandemic under former Chancellor Angela Merkel. In recent years, he emerged as a leading voice on the CDU’s conservative wing, advocating stricter immigration policies. Sources close to Spahn told Focus magazine that the couple chose the United States because of regulations they believe provide stronger protections for surrogate mothers.
The resignation highlights ongoing tensions within the CDU over personal conduct and party principles. Merz’s acceptance of Spahn’s resignation underscores the party’s commitment to maintaining credibility on ethical issues, even as it navigates internal divisions.
