Due to State Act for Late Rita Süssmuth: Karlsruhe Postpones Hearing - Germany honors Rita Süssmuth as court delays landmark Heating Act hearing
A state memorial service for Rita Süssmuth, the former CDU politician who died on Sunday at 88, will take place on Monday. Representatives from all constitutional bodies will attend the event in Berlin. Meanwhile, the ceremony has led to the postponement of a key hearing at the Federal Constitutional Court. The memorial will begin with an ecumenical service at St. Hedwig’s Cathedral. Afterwards, an official state tribute will be held in the Bundestag’s plenary chamber.
Originally scheduled for February 24, the court hearing on the Heating Act has now been moved to February 26. The case, brought by former CDU lawmaker Thomas Heilmann, challenges the act’s legislative process—not its content. Specifically, it questions whether enough time was allowed for debate when the law was passed. The Heating Act requires new heating systems to use at least 65 percent renewable energy. The current coalition government, made up of the CDU/CSU and SPD, has already announced plans for major revisions to the law. Oral arguments in the case will proceed on the new date, though a ruling is not expected for several months.
The memorial service for Süssmuth will bring together political leaders before the court resumes its work. The Heating Act hearing will now take place on February 26, with potential implications for how the law is implemented. A final decision from the court remains pending.
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