Three Remaining Contenders for OVG Post in North Rhine-Westphalia, Minister Disputes Inaction Allegations
Competes with Three Candidates for the OVG Role - Candidates Expanded for OVG Positions as Per Minister's Announcement
In the heated debate over selecting a new President for the Higher Administrative Court (OVG) of North Rhine-Westphalia, three candidates remain in the running. Justice Minister Benjamin Limbach (Greens) stated this during a SPECIAL SESSION of the Legal Affairs Committee of the state parliament.
Interestingly, one of the candidates, Katharina Jestaedt, has taken on a new role at the Federal Ministry of Education and Research as Department Head. Prior to this move, she held the position of department head in North Rhine-Westphalia's Ministry of the Interior.
During the special session, Minister Limbach emphasized that the selection process for the presidency is far from complete. He also mentioned that new applications are still welcome, and upon finishing, his department will make a proposal to him in the form of a ranking. If the top candidate declines the offer, the second-placed candidate will automatically occupy the position, as explained by Limbach.
The SPD opposition criticized Limbach, accusing him of inaction during the session. Limbach responded, citing the legal framework that he must adhere to. He revealed that he learned about Jestaedt's move to Berlin through the media.
Probing the Controversial Appointment
An investigative committee, known as the "OVG Appointment" in Düsseldorf's state parliament, has been delving into the contentious appointment of this high-ranking judicial position for months. This committee is examining potential instances of nepotism, party favoritism, and whether the competence of the candidates was the primary factor in this appointment, as per the law.
Jestaedt previously informed the investigative committee in January that she had not requested preference from Limbach, nor had he solicited or encouraged her to apply for the OVG presidency. The top position at the OVG in Münster has been vacant since June 2021, and the previous president, Ricarda Brandts, retired four years ago.
Two administrative courts had initially halted the appointment procedure, with one in Münster sharply criticizing the manipulative process design. However, the Higher Administrative Court, serving as the second instance, did not voice any objections regarding the personnel decision in its case.
Yet, the Federal Constitutional Court partially overturned the OVG decision and remanded it. The Constitutional Court judges in Karlsruhe found hints of a predetermined outcome that had not been effectively addressed.
- Special Session
- State Parliament
- Benjamin Limbach
- Berlin
- North Rhine-Westphalia
- Presidency
- Münster
- Düsseldorf
- Ministry of the Interior
Enrichment Data:The specific allegations of nepotism and party favoritism in the appointment process of the OVG presidency, along with the current status of investigations into these claims, remain unclear based on the available search results. Official statements or updates from the court or investigative bodies could provide further insights into this matter.
During the special session in the state parliament of North Rhine-Westphalia, Minister Benjamin Limbach emphasized the ongoing process for selecting the new President for the Higher Administrative Court (OVG). It's worth noting that the investigation committee in Düsseldorf's state parliament has been probing the controversial appointment of this high-ranking judicial position for several months, focusing on potential instances of nepotism and party favoritism.
