From Minister to Corporate Boss. The Most Lucrative Jobs for Lindner and Co - From Bundestag to Boardrooms: How Ex-German Politicians Land Lucrative Private Roles
In Germany, ex-politicians have the freedom to decide whether to observe a cooling-off period before transitioning to the private sector. Many former lawmakers have taken up corporate roles after leaving politics, with some high-profile cases recently coming to light.
Christian Lindner, the former leader of the Free Democratic Party (FDP), is set to become deputy CEO of Autoland AG, Germany's largest independent automotive retail group. This move comes after a period in politics that saw him serve as the party's chairman and a member of the Bundestag.
Frank Heinrich, a former CDU Bundestag member, has been working as a consultant for Christian organisations at the 'Piron' agency since November 2023. He utilises his political contacts to benefit organisations like the Salvation Army and the 'Gemeinsam gegen Menschenhandel' association.
Burkhard Blienert, a former SPD Bundestag member and Federal Drug Commissioner, has been working as a senior advisor for the Federal Association of Pharmaceutical Cannabinoid Companies (BPC) since November 2023. He provides political and strategic advice to the association and its members, particularly on the regulation of medical cannabis.
Jens Spahn, a former CDU Bundestag member, was involved with the lobbying agency Politas from 2006 to 2010 while serving as the health policy spokesman for the CDU/CSU fraction. The agency advised clients from the healthcare sector.
Horst Teltschik, a former political advisor and close aide to Helmut Kohl, held various roles after his political career, including chairman of the Munich Security Conference and consultant in economic and security matters.
While former ministers in Germany are subject to an official 18-month cooling-off period, other ex-politicians have the discretion to decide whether to observe such a period. Many have gone on to successful careers in the private sector, leveraging their political experience and contacts to benefit their new roles.
