Cancellation of the oral hearing on 4 and 5 May 2021 in the proceedings concerning the increase of the absolute upper limit to public funding allocated to all political parties combined and the legislative procedure related thereto

Press Release No. 27/2021 of 14 April 2021

Reference: 2 BvE 5/18, 2 BvF 2/18

The Second Senate of the Federal Constitutional Court decided to cancel the oral hearing scheduled for 4 and 5 May 2021 in the proceedings concerning the increase of the absolute upper limit to public funding allocated to all political parties combined and the legislative procedure related thereto.

The Second Senate made this decision in view of the development of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is currently very dynamic and unforeseeable. The oral hearing that is necessary for the further investigation of the facts in proceedings 2 BvE 5/18 and 2 BvF 2/18 requires the participation of a larger than usual number of parties to the proceedings and expert third parties to be consulted. Many of them would be required to travel to Karlsruhe. On this basis, it appears to be impossible to ensure that the oral hearing can take place without health risks to the persons present and that it can be, at the same time, carried out in an organised manner even if all necessary precautions were taken and the oral hearing took place on premises outside the courthouse.

The oral hearing will take place at a later date.