Jens Spahn resigns as CDU/CSU parliamentary group leader over surrogacy scandal

Published Jul 19, 04:31 PM UTC

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Jens Spahn, the most powerful Christian Democrat after Chancellor Friedrich Merz, resigned as CDU/CSU parliamentary group leader on July 18, 2026, following a scandal over his use of surrogacy in the United States to have a child with his husband. Surrogacy is illegal in Germany, and the CDU had reaffirmed its opposition to the practice at its February party conference, where Spahn remained silent despite his personal plans. The revelation, made public via Bild newspaper, sparked outrage within the party, with state chairmen and the Women's Union calling for his resignation. Chancellor Merz, who was caught off guard by the news, pushed Spahn to step down, stating that 'credibility is the highest good in politics.' The resignation marks the downfall of a key power broker in German conservative politics, highlighting tensions between personal decisions and party doctrine.

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Source

taz.de - taz.deWestern

Original headline: Rücktritt von Jens Spahn: Absturz eines Machtmenschen

Original language: DE

Part of this Story

German politician Jens Spahn faces resignation calls over US surrogacy hypocrisy

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People and interests

Friedrich Merz Germany United States