Overview
- The Deutscher Richterbund told media on Saturday that Germany lacks roughly 2,000 prosecutorial staff, leaving about three investigators to cover the work of four in many offices.
- The shortage is lengthening proceedings and causing an increase in smaller cases being discontinued because investigators do not have enough capacity to pursue them.
- Regional data show the gap is uneven, with North Rhine-Westphalia reported to be short more than 500 prosecutors and that shortfall up about 100 from last year.
- Federal ministers have pledged money for new posts and digitalisation—Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig promised roughly €500 million over four years and the federal government has offered €70 million annually for digital measures from 2027 to 2029—but states worry those funds are temporary and that long-term pay costs would fall to the Länder.
- The Richterbund is calling for clear political decisions before the summer recess to finalise staffing and funding arrangements so prosecutorial offices can reduce backlogs and better pursue crimes such as tax fraud.