Jens Spahn resigns as leader of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group

Jens Spahn has resigned from his position as head of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group in Germany. The decision followed intense criticism regarding the birth of his child via surrogacy in the United States. While surrogacy is illegal in Germany, Spahn had previously taken public stances against the practice during his time as health minister and as a politician. Members of his own party, including Daniel Peters from Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, argued that his actions were incompatible with his political responsibilities and called for his resignation. Spahn communicated his decision to CDU leader Friedrich Merz and CSU leader Markus Söder before officially stepping down. In a letter reported by ARD, Spahn stated that the personal happiness of starting a family had become incompatible with his public office. Reports suggest that pressure from within his party was the primary driver behind his departure, with critics labeling his conduct as contradictory to his past policy stances.