A New Era at the Federal Chancellery: Thorsten Frei Speaks Out
Foreign Affairs Commissioner, Mr. Frei, voiced:
As the fresh face stepping into the role of Federal Chancellery head, Thorsten Frei embraces the title of "honest broker." Determined to stay impartial, he aims to avoid stirring controversy that may jeopardize the delicate coalition between the SPD and the Union. However, Frei makes it clear, "I'm an CDU federal minister, not a political eunuch."
Following the coalition's bumpy start, Frei remains optimistic about its longevity. "This coalition will endure for four years," he asserts. For this to happen, they've agreed to work with flexibility to adapt to any curveballs life may throw their way. Frei promised, "If unexpected events occur, we'll put the coalition agreement on hold - and devise new strategies."
One controversial matter that Frei is stepping into is the expansion of the Chancellery, a project he once criticized as a "vanity project." Despite this past critique, he acknowledges, "The time for making a rational decision on a construction halt has long passed, and something is being built there now." The focus will be on finding an economical solution for further construction.
After the ascension of Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, the Chancellery saw a significant personnel increase, causing construction costs to escalate to around 800 million euros. This plan was met with opposition from former Finance Minister Christian Lindner, yet Scholz remained steadfast in his decision.
A Leaner Government Ahead
Transitioning into his new position, Frei pledges to reduce staff at the Chancellery. Aligned with a two percent reduction target per year, as outlined in the coalition agreement, Frei notes, "I won't just impose tough measures on others without practicing what I preach." Germany's government has grown over the decades, and Frei emphasizes the need to reverse this trend. Additionally, he plans to eliminate excessive commissioner positions, a move aimed at improving the efficiency of state organization. This decision is not primarily driven by cost-saving, but by a desire for a more streamlined government.
- Federal Government
- German Bundestag
- Thorsten Frei
- Federal Chancellery
- Black-Red Coalition
Sources: ntv.de, gut
Note: Enrichment data suggests that Thorsten Frei's stance on the controversial Chancellor’s construction project is unreported or unknown, requiring additional or updated sources for further insights.
- Thorsten Frei, the new head of the Federal Chancellery, labels himself an "honest broker," intending to stay neutral to preserve the Black-Red Coalition amid potential disputes.
- In the face of unforeseen events, Frei vows to suspend the coalition agreement and craft novel strategies to ensure the longevity of the alliance.
- Despite earlier criticism of the Chancellery's expansion as a "vanity project," Frei concedes that the construction process has already commenced, and efforts will focus on finding cost-effective solutions.
- Aiming to reverse the expansion of the German government over the decades, Thorsten Frei commits to implementing a two-percent reduction in staff annually at the Federal Chancellery, as well as eliminating redundant commissioner positions for a more efficient organization.
