Overview

• Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder said a successor has been selected but may not be presented yet for legal reasons.
• Government and media reports name DB Regio chief Evelyn Palla as the proposed choice, with a formal decision due at the supervisory board meeting on Tuesday.
• Richard Lutz remains in office until a successor is appointed after the headhunter‑led search launched in mid‑August.
• The reform push is expected to tighten federal steering of Deutsche Bahn and redefine the role of infrastructure unit DB InfraGo.
• Punctuality in long‑distance services was about 60% in August and financing gaps persist, intensifying pressure for both leadership change and a credible customer-focused plan.