Ex-Minister Steinbach reportedly abstains from legal counsel for the specified law firm - Ex-Minister Steinbach Ought to Step Down from His Consulting Position
Former Brandenburg Minister Faces Conflict of Interest Investigation
Jörg Steinbach, the former Economics Minister of Brandenburg, has been asked to temporarily suspend his consultancy work for the law firm CMS due to potential conflicts of interest. The state government is currently investigating whether it should prohibit Steinbach from taking up the role.
Steinbach led the ministry for six years, and during his tenure, the law firm CMS advised the state on the Tesla settlement. The state government's investigation comes amidst concerns about potential conflicts of interest regarding Steinbach's consultancy work for CMS, which operates in sectors influenced by his previous official duties.
According to the Brandenburg Minister Law, former ministers are required to notify the state government in writing if they wish to take up external employment within the first two years after leaving office. However, the law does not specify any restrictions on former ministers engaging in consultancy work for law firms.
Transparency International has previously criticised the practice of former government members switching to companies they previously advised or regulated in their government positions without adequate cooling-off periods. The organisation advocates for stricter regulations to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure public trust.
Brandenburg follows the principles of transparency and accountability consistent with German federal standards. However, for precise rules on former ministers in Brandenburg, one would need to consult the Brandenburg Ministerial Law (Ministergesetz Brandenburg) or the state's ethics and public service codes, which regulate post-office employment and conflict of interest issues. These regulations are intended to ensure that no unfair advantage or improper influence results from the transition of ministers into private sector roles.
In Germany, including Brandenburg, former ministers face regulations designed to prevent conflicts of interest when taking up external employment, especially in sectors influenced by their previous official duties. These typically include cooling-off periods, disclosure and approval requirements, and restrictions on lobbying activities.
The state chancellery in Potsdam announced the investigation into Steinbach's case in the afternoon, highlighting the importance of upholding public trust and ensuring the integrity of public office. Steinbach has stated that his activities for CMS have been focused on topics unrelated to the state of Brandenburg. The outcome of the investigation is yet to be determined.
- The investigation into Jörg Steinbach's consultancy work for CMS raises questions about vocational training policy-and-legislation in EC countries, as Steinbach led Brandenburg's Economics Ministry during a period where CMS provided advice on state matters, including the Tesla settlement.
- The politics surrounding Steinbach's case underscores the need for stricter regulations on general-news topics such as former ministers engaging in consultancy work for law firms, particularly in sectors influenced by their previous official duties, to prevent conflicts of interest and maintain public trust.
