Overview

• In a letter dated August 1, the Staatskanzlei in Potsdam asked Steinbach to pause his consultancy for CMS and submit a justification while it considers a prohibition
• Brandenburg’s Minister Law requires former ministers to notify the government before taking private employment for two years and allows blocking roles that threaten public interest
• CMS advised the state on the Tesla plant in Grünheide while Steinbach was economics minister, prompting scrutiny of his new advisory position
• Steinbach asserts his work with CMS is limited to matters unrelated to Brandenburg and complies with the prescribed cooling-off period
• A similar review last year approved ex-transport minister Guido Beermann’s industry appointment, though Transparency International warns current safeguards may be insufficient