Die Linke Files Constitutional Court Action Against Minister Katherina Reiche Over Instagram Video
The political party Die Linke filed an institutional lawsuit at the German Federal Constitutional Court on September 30, 2026, targeting Federal Economics Minister Katherina Reiche over an official Instagram video. The legal filing asks the court to issue a temporary injunction ordering the minister to remove the disputed clip from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy channel, Legal Tribune Online reported.
Disputed Statements on Berlin Election and Investment
The controversy centers on a 16-page application submitted to the Karlsruhe court under docket number 2 BvE 5/26 by Düsseldorf attorneys Dr. Jasper Prigge and Dr. Sascha Wolft. The legal action challenges a video published on September 25, 2026, featuring excerpts from a speech Reiche delivered on September 23 at the MyWay strategy and economic summit for family businesses.
In the recording, Reiche warns that Die Linke’s policy proposals endanger the capital and Germany as an investment location. Die Linke argues these remarks violate the constitutional requirement of state neutrality and breach the principle of equal opportunity for political parties during the ongoing government formation process in Berlin, where the party emerged as the strongest force in the September 20 House of Representatives election.
Legal Arguments and Precedents Cited in the Application
The application relies on prior Federal Constitutional Court decisions to establish both urgency and standing. Die Linke points to a 2015 ruling involving former Education Minister Johanna Wanka, where the court ordered the removal of a ministry press release criticizing the Alternative for Germany party. It also cites a 2014 ruling concerning the National Democratic Party of Germany regarding statements made by then-Family Minister Manuela Schwesig.
Legal scholars offer contrasting views on the prospects of the lawsuit.
Die Linke Files Lawsuit Against Minister Katherina Reiche
What specific legal measure did Die Linke file against Minister Katherina Reiche?
Die Linke filed an institutional lawsuit paired with an application for a temporary injunction at the Federal Constitutional Court under docket number 2 BvE 5/26. The filing asks the court to order the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy to temporarily remove the disputed Instagram video.
How did the Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy respond to the initial complaints?
The head of the ministry’s central legal department replied via email on September 30, 2026, stating that the ministry reviewed the matter and determined no legal claim for omission existed, declining to issue a formal cease-and-desist declaration.
What constitutional principle is at the center of the dispute?
The lawsuit focuses on the neutrality obligation of state organs and the principle of equal opportunity for political parties under Article 21 and Article 3 of the German Basic Law, arguing that government resources and official authority cannot be used for partisan attacks.
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