German CDUCSU parliamentary leader Spahn resigns over US surrogacy controversy

Jens Spahn, the chairman of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group in Germany, has resigned from his position amid growing criticism over his use of a surrogate mother in the USA to have a child. The resignation was announced on Saturday, July 18, 2026.
In a letter to the members of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, Spahn stated that his personal happiness in becoming a father with his husband is not compatible with his political office. "The balance between my private decision to have a child through surrogacy and the understandable expectations of me as the chairman of our parliamentary group has become greater than I expected," Spahn wrote.
The controversy began when it was revealed that Spahn and his husband had a child through a surrogate mother in the USA. Surrogacy is illegal in Germany, and the CDU party has been a vocal opponent of its legalization. Spahn himself had previously expressed opposition to surrogacy.
Pressure had been mounting on Spahn to resign, with criticism coming from within his own party and from the public. Friedrich Merz, the leader of the CDU and the German Chancellor, had reportedly urged Spahn to step down. In a statement, Merz said, "The decision is right and was unavoidable. Credibility is the highest good in politics."
Spahn had been the chairman of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group since May 2025 and was previously the Federal Minister of Health from 2018 to 2021. His political career has been marked by both achievements and controversies, including his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and various political missteps.
In his resignation letter, Spahn expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him and wished his colleagues all the best. He also emphasized the importance of family, stating, "My family is the most important thing to me."
The resignation has sent shockwaves through German politics, with various political figures and commentators weighing in on the situation. Some have expressed support for Spahn, while others have criticized his actions and the decision to resign.
The CDU/CSU parliamentary group will now need to find a new chairman to replace Spahn. Friedrich Merz is expected to consult with Markus Söder, the leader of the CSU, to propose a new candidate for the position.
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