Journalist ousted from Berlin MPs' private gathering ahead of CDU vote
A joint gathering of CDU/CSU and SPD lawmakers took an unexpected turn on Monday evening when political journalist Gordon Repinski was asked to leave. The event, held at the Ossis Bar in Berlin’s Parliamentary Society, was meant for MPs only—despite Repinski receiving a written invitation. The evening began with small groups of politicians chatting over drinks, initially divided by party lines. CDU’s Paul Ziemiak and Jakob Blankenburg arrived later, while SPD’s Matthias Miersch and Lina Seitzl were seen together. The atmosphere appeared relaxed until CDU/CSU parliamentary manager Hendrik Hoppenstedt approached Repinski.
Hoppenstedt told the journalist, 'Of course we like you, but tonight is for lawmakers only.' Repinski, who had been invited in writing, was then escorted out. Jens Spahn, co-host of the event alongside Miersch and CSU’s Alexander Hoffmann, reportedly supported the decision.
The incident came just hours before Spahn’s scheduled reconfirmation vote as leader of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group. The vote, set for Tuesday afternoon, is a standard procedure one year into the legislative term. No rival candidate is expected to challenge him. Repinski’s ejection highlights the event’s strict exclusion of journalists, despite initial invitations. Spahn’s reconfirmation vote will proceed as planned, with no opposition anticipated. The gathering’s focus remains on internal party discussions ahead of the procedure.
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