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2mo ago

German Ministries Face Scrutiny Over Post-Election Promotions of Senior Officials

Since the collapse of the traffic light coalition, nearly 100 senior civil servants have been promoted, raising concerns about fairness and timing.

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Das Bild soll die Beförderung von Beamten durch die Bundesregierung symbolisieren
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Overview

  • Approximately 96 senior civil servants in SPD and Green-led ministries were promoted after the coalition's breakup on November 6, 2024, with critics labeling the practice as 'Operation Abendsonne.'
  • The Development Ministry, led by SPD's Svenja Schulze, accounted for the highest number of promotions, with 26 officials elevated from pay grade A15 to A16.
  • The Chancellor's Office under Olaf Scholz also saw 14 promotions, while other ministries, such as those led by Nancy Faeser and Cem Özdemir, reported no promotions during this period.
  • Opposition groups and critics argue these promotions may reward loyalists ahead of a potential government transition, though the government maintains they follow standard procedures and budget constraints.
  • The practice of last-minute promotions before elections has been a longstanding issue in German politics, with similar controversies arising in past administrations.