Post-Chancellorship Digs: Scholz's New Abode
Chancellor Scholz set to appoint eight new staff members
Berlin (dpa) - Olaf Scholz (SPD) is gearing up for a cushy post-Chancellor life, sporting an office teeming with eight staff members, according to a draft for the main committee of the Bundestag, as reported by Several Media Outlets. This isn't your typical way of furnishing a retired politician's pad, but the finance ministry justifies this ramp-up in support, citing "the expected developments in his post-political activities," particularly the Russian attack on Ukraine during Scholz's term.
It's a common tradition in Germany for former Chancellors to receive an office and a small team, funded by the state. Angela Merkel (CDU) and Gerhard Schröder (SPD) didn't miss out on this sweet deal, each receiving nine and seven staff members post-Chancellorship, respectively. But Scholz is set for an extra slice of the pie with eight. Well, Germany thinks its ex-Chancellors deserve a little extra TLC.
Now, let's take a step back to 2019 when the budget crew decided that future Chancellors and Presidents would only receive one office manager, two advisors, one administrative assistant, and a driver. Sounds like a tight squad, right? Not quite enough for Scholz, it seems.
This draft also encompasses the creation of 208 new positions, with 150 of them for the Digital Ministry. But ya got to balance things out, so an equal number of positions in other ministries are set to get the ax.
Now, just to clear the air - there's no legally mandated or standard staffing structure for a former German Chancellor’s office after they've hung up their boots. Instead, support is usually minimal, transitional, and reliant on personal arrangements, party support, or personal funds. Don't expect fully-staffed, swanky digs akin to those of some leaders in other countries.
Scholz is following suit with his predecessors in this regard. Angela Merkel, after her departure, had minimal office arrangements, while Gerhard Schröder was supported by party infrastructure and personal staff, not a state-funded office.
In essence, Scholz's post-Chancellorship office won't be your typical, fancy, grand office. Expect a small team of loyalists, a comfy corner, and that's about it!
The draft for Scholz's post-Chancellorship office includes a team of eight staff members, indicative of politics and policy-and-legislation discussions, as reported by general news outlets. This staffing arrangement, while not legally mandated, highlights the significance of his role and responsibilities in the field of policy-and-legislation even after leaving office.
