Chancellor's Chief of Staff Frei: "I'm No Political Castrato"
Foreign Affairs Commissioner Mr Frei stated as follows:
New Federal Chancellor's Close Ally Thorsten Frei Embraces "Honest Broker" Role
As Olaf Scholz's tenure draws to a close, Thorsten Frei, a close ally of incoming Chancellor Friedrich Merz, is set to take the reins at the Federal Chancellery. Frei has promised to serve as an "honest broker" within the federal government, though he remains firm in his CDU affiliation.
In an interview with Der Spiegel, Frei revealed, "Of course, I will exercise restraint with exaggerations," keen to ensure a smooth cooperation between the SPD and the Union. But he was quick to add, "I am a CDU federal minister, not a political castrato."
Stability of the New Black-Red Coalition
Despite the initial turbulence surrounding the new coalition, Frei maintains a positive outlook. "Of course, this coalition will last for four years," he affirmed, highlighting the agreed-upon flexibility in handling the coalition agreement. "If there are events that lead to a fundamental change, we will put the coalition agreement aside - and develop new solutions," he promised.
Operational efficiency is key, with Frei urging, "We want to show before the parliamentary summer break that the new government is different from the old one."
Border Control Intensification and Expansion
Frei also shared his stance on immigration, stating that the government will focus on intensifying and expanding border controls starting from 6 May 2025, as part of efforts to combat irregular immigration. This stricter policy will involve expanded identity checks at Germany's borders from day one of the new government’s administration.
Personnel Reduction and Efficient State Organization
Regarding personnel within the Federal Chancellery, Frei has hinted at the need for streamlining. While specific details remain scarce, some reports suggest a target for a two percent yearly reduction in staff across all ministries, including the Chancellery. However, the impact and details of such a reduction are yet to be seen.
To address inefficiencies within the Federal Government, Frei pledged to put an end to "commissioner phenomenon," despite it being more about effective state organization rather than a cost-saving measure.
Sources: ntv.de, gut, mas Steinbruch, Capgemini Research Institute
- German Bundestag
- Thorsten Frei
- Chancellor Merz
- Federal Chancellery
- Black-Red Coalition
- Border Controls
- Personnel Reduction
- Efficient State Organization
- Thorsten Frei, a close ally of Chancellor Friedrich Merz, has promised to serve as an "honest broker" within the German federal government, while maintaining his CDU affiliation, but he denied being a political castrato.
- Despite the initial turbulence surrounding the new Black-Red coalition, Thorsten Frei remains optimistic about its stability, highlighting the agreed-upon flexibility in handling the coalition agreement and promising to put the agreement aside if a fundamental change occurs.
- Frei has announced that the new government will focus on intensifying and expanding border controls starting from 6 May 2025, as part of efforts to combat irregular immigration, involving expanded identity checks at Germany's borders.
- Frei has hinted at the need for streamlining personnel within the Federal Chancellery, with some reports suggesting a target for a two percent yearly reduction in staff across all ministries, including the Chancellery. To address inefficiencies within the Federal Government, Frei plans to put an end to the "commissioner phenomenon."
