Overview
- Federal Research Minister Dorothee Bär canceled her planned appearance, citing schedule conflicts during an overseas trip to Norway at the time of the late‑April event.
- Chancellery chief Thorsten Frei also withdrew, and Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil will not attend this year after having taken part in the past.
- Bavaria’s Economic Ministry signaled it will likely withhold financial support in 2026 pending an ongoing compliance review ordered by the state government.
- The Weimer Media Group denies wrongdoing and says the summit’s financing is secured, while the event website removed its speakers list after repeated changes.
- Kulturstaatsminister Wolfram Weimer relinquished his shares in the organizing company to a trustee for the duration of his time in government.