Diplomatic tension mounts over concerns of conflict with former top U.S. diplomat
A fresh take on the explosive dismissal of Hesse's State Secretary:
Shedding light on the controversial dismissal of Professor Lamia Messari-Becker from Hesse's Ministry of Economics:
The drama unfolded in July 2024, when Kaweh Mansoori, Chief of Staff of Hesse's Minister of Economics (SPD), was ordered to document any suspected misconduct by then State Secretary, Lamia Messari-Becker (independent). According to Mansoori, this was a preventive measure, advised by lawyers in anticipation of a potential legal dispute.
Messari-Becker's dismissal was publicly justified by Mansoori due to a series of unacceptable misconduct in her private life, but he declined to offer specifics. A whirlwind of rumors followed, including allegations that she wielded her State Secretary position to exert pressure in a parent-teacher conference for a better grade for her daughter, an accusation she vehemently denies.
The controversy took another twist when Mansoori admitted that Messari-Becker had complained about her office being too small, a sentiment he described as "problematic." After taking over her old office, which she now finds "actually quite good," the issue seems to have dissipated.
The investigative committee, tasked with probing the conflict, is nearing the end of its public hearing sessions. On the final day in Wiesbaden's state parliament, several witnesses, including Minister of Economics Mansoori, are scheduled to appear and share their perspectives on the matter.
The incident has ignited discussions about the ethical standards expected of public officials, with some praising the ministry for taking swift action, while others demanded transparency and a thorough investigation. The pursuit of justice for Messari-Becker continues, with her legal team working diligently to protect her reputation.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:250612-930-657954/2
In the aftermath of the dismissal of Professor Lamia Messari-Becker, the politics surrounding the decision have come under scrutiny, with discussions about the ethical standards expected of public officials arising from the incident. Meanwhile, policy-and-legislation debates have ensued, as the general-news media covers the investigative committee's investigation into the conflict at Hesse's Ministry of Economics.
