German conservative leader Jens Spahn resigns over surrogacy controversy

Jens Spahn, leader of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group in the German Bundestag, resigned on 18 July 2026 after facing intense criticism for having a child with his husband via gestational surrogacy in the United States, a practice illegal in Germany. Source: Clarin, Infobae, ABC

Background and controversy

Spahn, a former health minister, had long aligned with his party's opposition to surrogacy. In a podcast, he remarked: "One thing is pure doctrine, another is life." Source: Clarin, Lavanguardia The CDU reaffirmed its ban in February 2026. Source: CNN, El Mundo Critics, including CDU regional leaders, accused him of double standards. Daniel Peters of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania said Spahn "deliberately placed himself above the law." Source: El Mundo

Resignation and reaction

In his resignation letter, Spahn wrote: "In recent days I have realized that my personal happiness ... is incompatible with my political office." Source: ABC, El Pais Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who had initially congratulated Spahn, later requested his resignation, calling it "correct and inevitable" and stressing that "credibility is the most important value in politics." Source: Euronews, ABC

Political implications

The controversy threatens to harm the CDU/CSU ahead of three regional elections in September, where the far-right AfD is gaining ground. Merz is now considering a cabinet reshuffle. Source: Infobae, Clarin