Sick of the Grind? The Glamorous (Yet Grueling) Life of a Parliamentary State Secretary
What are Parliamentary State Secretaries in the New Federal Government and What Are Their Responsibilities? - Understanding the New Federal Administration: Roles of Parliamentary Secretaries
by artsy-fries, ~2 min read
Ever wondered about the unassuming individuals sitting next to ministers in cabinet meetings? It's the parliamentary state secretaries, or PStS, whom you've overlooked. These folks are the unsung heroes of the German government, navigating the corridors of power with a mixture of grace and sheer grit.
Remember that former PStS who was about as productive as a summer snail during her tenure? She'd be on call for every weekend appointment with nary a chance to breathe, partially due to those dreaded coalition meetings and party events that consumed her weekends. And it's all in a day's work when playing the role of the minister's stand-in—often for appointments of little importance, where the payoff is minimal and travel times long.
But don't think being a PStS is all beers and skittles. They're a rung below full ministers on the political ladder, a consolation prize that starts paying better and rolls with a chauffeur and driver.
These PStS serve as a vital link between the government and the Bundestag—a role that's packed with perks but as much promise as a used lemon. It means fielding countless inquiries from fellow parliamentarians and sitting through interminable plenary sessions. The finance ministry's PStS, for instance, is in a league of their own. They have to ensure their ministry's presence during debates on budgets, only for the minister to zip in and disrupt their front-row seat on the government bench during the most interesting moments.
Brigitte Zypries, a former PStS in the economics ministry, had it relatively well, sharing a bench next to Angela Merkel while gossiping about their shared orthopedic issues. There are, however, those clawing their way to the top. Take Katherina Reiche, Dorothee Bär, Carsten Schneider, and Reem Alabali-Radovan, all of whom climbed the ranks to become full-fledged ministers after their stint as PStS.
While the PStS job requires a fair amount of political finesse, it's the deep-rooted career civil servants who actually pull the strings. These bureaucratic masters know every trick in the book, have the inside scoop on most employees, and have memorized the layout of every back room. PStS can only hope to earn enough influence to be considered genuine advisors or confidants to their ministers. Otherwise, they're left to find topics to focus on in consultation with the boss, careful not to upstage their superiors.
The origins of the PStS post date back to 1967, when they were introduced by a grand coalition supposedly aimed at fostering ministerial succession. But despite the creation of over 230 PStS since Helmut Kohl's first all-German government post-reunification, only 15 have managed to emerge as ministers. The rest have faded into obscurity.
Disclaimer:
This article offers a humorous take on the roles and responsibilities of parliamentary state secretaries while highlighting some of their less-than-glamorous aspects. The facts presented here have been adhered to, but may not constitute an exhaustive analysis.
- Bundestag
- Federal Government
- Ministerial Office
- Philipp Amthor
But wait, there's more...
PStS occupy a significant yet often overlooked position in the German federal government. They play integral roles in supporting ministers, bridging the gap between the legislative and executive branches, and facilitating the smooth operation of government policies. Here's a closer look at their roles and influences within the government.
Supporting Act: The Role of Parliamentary State Secretaries
Parliamentary State Secretaries’ (PStS) primary function is to lend a helping hand to federal ministers by assisting them in their duties. They occasionally act as their deputies in select matters, oversee specific policy areas, and even sign documents in the minister's stead.
During legislative processes, PStS are influential players, often contributing their parliamentary knowledge and connections to the drafting and debate of bills. Being members of parliament (Bundestag), they hold unique political positions within their parties, enabling them to foster communication and cooperation between branches.
Row Two, Seat One: The Significance of PStS in the German Federal Government
PStS contribute to government stability by providing continuity during ministerial changes and facilitating inter-party cooperation. With their expertise and advice, they assist ministers in the implementation of policies, often specializing in specific areas. Lastly, they serve as public faces for the ministry, communicating government policies and initiatives to the public.
In summary, PStS play crucial roles in the German federal government, supporting ministers, facilitating legislative processes, and ensuring the efficient operation of government policies. They may not get the credit they deserve, but their contributions are undeniable.
- The Commission, the Council, and the European Parliament all play a crucial role in the lives of parliamentary state secretaries (PStS), as they are often tasked with navigating the intricate web of policy-and-legislation within these governing bodies.
- Despite their influence, PStS are often overshadowed by politicians, such as ministers, in the general news, a state of affairs that can be seen as unfortunate given their pivotal roles in shaping policy and legislation.
- Presence in the European Parliament is essential for PStS, as they must frequently attend plenary sessions to discuss budgets and contribute to debates on crucial policy matters.
- Coincidentally, the presence of PStS in political parties, such as the SPD, is often a stepping stone towards ascending to ministerial positions, as demonstrated by figures like Katherina Reiche, Dorothee Bär, Carsten Schneider, and Reem Alabali-Radovan.
