German opposition leader Spahn resigns after surrogate baby controversy

Jens Spahn, the parliamentary leader of Germany's opposition Christian Democrats (CDU), resigned on July 18, 2026, following a controversy over his use of a surrogate mother. Party leader Friedrich Merz had pressured him to step down, emphasizing that credibility is essential in politics. The resignation has drawn widespread reactions, with ARD Berlin correspondents reporting on the political fallout. Spahn's decision comes amid broader German political discussions, including a separate call for European unity on Ukraine.