In an interview, jurist Maximilian Steinbeis emphasizes the critical need for reforms to protect Germany’s Federal Constitutional Court from authoritarian-populist influences. Drawing parallels with challenges faced in countries like Hungary and Poland, he argues for stronger safeguards, such as enshrining the requirement for a two-thirds majority in the constitution for judicial appointments. Steinbeis highlights that the recent reforms, while necessary, fall short in fully mitigating risks to judicial independence, particularly concerning the appointment and operational framework of the court.