Minister advocates for streamlining bureaucratic procedures in digital sectors
Newly Created Ministry of Digital Affairs and State Modernization Takes Charge
In a significant move towards modernizing Germany's administration, Chancellor Friedrich Merz has appointed Karsten Wildberger as the head of the Ministry of Digital Affairs and State Modernization. Wildberger, previously a top manager at MediaMarktSaturn, will now lead the charge in improving networks and reducing bureaucracy.
In a letter first reported by "Bild" and also available to the German Press Agency, Minister Wildberger emphasized the need for systematic dismantling of bureaucratic concrete. He has asked ministers of the federal government to submit plans for bureaucracy reduction in their respective departments by September 15.
The ministry's focus includes not only improving networks but also reducing bureaucracy. The current status of "bureaucracy reduction projects" in various federal ministries as of September 2025 includes concrete efforts to cut bureaucracy costs by up to approximately 118 million euros yearly. This is achieved through measures like merging overlapping innovation funding programs into a single Transformationszulage, with plans for expanded research allowances starting in 2026.
The Ministry of Health is also implementing legal measures to strengthen care structures and reduce administrative burdens, achieving significant estimated savings for citizens and businesses in bureaucracy costs. Other ministries are emphasizing digitalization and streamlining processes to reduce complexity and bureaucracy, though challenges remain regarding personnel and practical implementation.
The ministry's focus on reducing bureaucracy is evident in the deadline for submission of these plans. Wildberger's department will follow up with the ministries to inquire about the status of these projects.
The Ministry of Digital Affairs and State Modernization is responsible for modernizing administration, reducing bureaucracy, data traffic, and improving networks. It is a newly created ministry, reflecting the government's commitment to digitalization and state modernization.
Minister Wildberger's role includes empowering citizens and businesses more. The ministry will oversee online citizen services, aiming to make government services more accessible and efficient. The ministry's focus on reducing bureaucracy aligns with Chancellor Merz's vision for deregulation and de-bureaucratization, as evidenced by a forthcoming cabinet meeting in October that will focus on these topics.
Wildberger's appointment and the creation of the Ministry of Digital Affairs and State Modernization mark a significant step forward in Germany's digital transformation and state modernization efforts. The ministry's focus on reducing bureaucracy and improving networks is expected to lead to more efficient government services and a more competitive business environment.
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