Overview
- Bär’s ministry said a scheduling conflict prevents her attendance and that she will be on an overseas trip focused on the Hightech-Agenda Deutschland, with a spokesperson citing Norway as the destination.
- Her decision follows Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder’s earlier move to forgo attendance and patronage to avoid any appearance of impropriety.
- Reports have alleged that the Weimer Media Group offered companies paid, exclusive access to federal ministers and touted influence over decision-makers, allegations the company denies.
- Co-founder and current culture minister Wolfram Weimer had already stepped down from management and placed his 50 percent stake with a trustee for the duration of his political tenure.
- The organizer told Der SPIEGEL the late-April event remains financed, while it continues to list federal figures such as Agriculture Minister Alois Rainer and Chancellery chief Thorsten Frei as confirmed.