Overview
- Lawmakers questioned Katherina Reiche behind closed doors after a motion to open the Economy Committee session was rejected by CDU/CSU and SPD members.
- Reiche provided no comments to reporters and her ministry submitted a multi-page brief stating she merely accompanied Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg and did not act in any official capacity at the Seefeld event.
- The Greens said her answers were insufficient and pressed for clarity on potential conflicts, including whether the ministry tracks companies in which her partner holds stakes.
- Participants said Reiche could not rule out using an official car for the trip, which is permitted for private use if taxed, and she declined to share the conference brochure with the committee.
- GovRadar has received roughly €500,000 in public support, with an initial grant approved under Robert Habeck and later funding during Reiche’s tenure; the ministry says she was not involved and zu Guttenberg says he holds under 1%.