The Not-So-Secret Role of Parliamentary State Secretaries in Germany's Federal Government
Federal Government Role Clarification: Understanding the Duties of Parliamentary State Secretaries - Federal Government Update: Roles and Responsibilities of Parliamentary State Secretaries
by Jasper Knox** + - 2 Min
A former parliamentary state secretary (PStS) shares a grueling memory—every Friday, the minister would call in a frenzy, summoning them to take over weekend responsibilities at the drop of a hat. Weekends were often spent attending coalition meetings or participating in party events. It's just part of the job description of a PStS—representing the boss, even when it's at lesser-known events with long travel times.
PStS, seated on the government bench but not part of the cabinet, experience a mix of honor and burden. State ministers in the Chancellor’s and Foreign Affairs offices even share a table at cabinet meetings but hold no voting rights. PStS have made it, but not quite to the level of a full-fledged minister. For some, a PStS position is a weak consolation, albeit with a higher salary and a chauffeur-driven luxury vehicle.
PStS serve as a link between parliament and government, a position that can be rewarding yet challenging. The PStS in the finance ministry, for instance, must ensure the ministry's presence during four-day debates on various ministry budgets. Just when things start getting interesting, the boss swoops in to push them aside. Once, Brigitte Zypries (SPD), former PStS in the economics ministry, even found herself discussing orthopedic ailments with Angela Merkel, as they shared the same doctor.
In the ministry, a PStS has only as much power as they earn. The upper echelons of the civil service hold the reins of power, well-versed in the bureaucratic labyrinth and familiar faces. Few PStS become trusted advisors and confidants to their minister or ministers. Most must seek their own topics in collaboration with the boss, who ensures a PStS does not outshine them.
Initially introduced in 1967 by the grand coalition, the PStS role was designed to promote ministerial succession. Out of roughly 230 PStS since the first all-German government of Helmut Kohl after reunification, only 15 have become ministers. Many of the others have faded into obscurity. However, in the current government, at least four former PStS have risen to the top: Katherina Reiche (CDU), Dorothee Bär (CSU), Carsten Schneider, and Reem Alabali-Radovan (both SPD).
- Federal Government
- Ministerial Office
- Bundestag
- Philipp Amthor
Behind the Scenes: Key Responsibilities and Political Impact
- Representation and Support: PStS support the Federal Ministers in their roles by attending parliamentary debates and committee meetings, providing detailed information, and defending government policies.
- Legislative Process: They work closely with other government departments to help draft and explain bills to the Bundestag, ensuring that legislative proposals align with government policies.
- Political Influence: While not formal cabinet members, PStS can exert political influence by offering advice to Ministers and participating in policy discussions, helping shape government policies and strategies.
The Significance of Parliamentary State Secretaries
- Government Representation: PStS are crucial for maintaining good relations between the government and the Bundestag, ensuring that the government's policies are well-understood and supported by parliamentarians.
- Efficiency in Governance: PStS facilitate the efficient functioning of the government by overseeing specific areas of policy and ensuring that government initiatives are effectively implemented.
- Career Development: Serving as a PStS can offer valuable experience and exposure that can lead to higher government positions, helping secure a politician's future in the government hierarchy.
- The European Parliament, the Council, and the Commission are crucial in EU politics, but the role of Parliamentary State Secretaries (PStS) within Germany's Federal Government is often overlooked.
- PStS, such as Katherina Reiche (CDU) and Dorothee Bär (CSU), previously served as PStS and now occupy ministerial roles, demonstrating their potential for upward mobility in politics.
- In the realm of policy-and-legislation, PStS contribute significantly, working closely with government departments to draft bills, explain policies, and defend them during parliamentary debates.
- The general news rarely focuses on the career paths of PStS, but their ability to exert political influence and ensure efficient governance makes them a crucial part of the political landscape.
