Internal Critique: DB Work Council Head explicitly rebukes Schnieder in confidential correspondence
In a significant development, Deutsche Bahn's works council has criticised Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder (CDU) over the handling of personnel and infrastructure financing issues within the company.
The criticism comes amidst the premature ending of the contract of Deutsche Bahn's CEO, Richard Lutz, by Minister Schnieder, who announced before the summer break that he would first address the strategy and then the personnel.
Heike Moll, works council chair, accused Schnieder of causing "additional unrest" in Deutsche Bahn. Moll also voiced concerns about the federal government's stance on infrastructure financing, stating that Deutsche Bahn is in need of a board that communicates effectively to the owner about the necessity of adequate financing for better quality and increased rail news.
The criticism was reported by the Handelsblatt (Friday edition) and comes just a few days before the planned presentation of the new Bahn strategy, scheduled for Monday in Berlin. It remains uncertain if Schnieder will also present a new CEO during the presentation, as no successor for Lutz has reportedly been found in time for the publication of the new strategy.
Until a new CEO is appointed, Lutz will continue to serve in his position. Meanwhile, Michael Peter, CEO of Siemens Mobility, is considered a leading candidate to succeed Lutz as CEO of Deutsche Bahn, with the official decision expected to be announced around September 22, 2025.
The works council's criticism is focused on the need for the federal government to address the financing issues at Deutsche Bahn for the improvement of service quality and increased rail news. The federal government acknowledges the need for infrastructure financing but does not want to fully finance it.
Schnieder's presentation of the new Bahn strategy is highly anticipated and is set to take place as planned on Monday in Berlin. The new strategy, along with the appointment of a new CEO, could mark a significant turning point for Deutsche Bahn and the future of rail news in Germany.
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