New vertebrae for Katherina Reiche: conflicts of interest in the ministerial office?

New vertebrae for Katherina Reiche: conflicts of interest in the ministerial office?

On April 29, 2025, Katherina Reiche was appointed the new Federal Minister of Economics and Energy. She takes over Robert Habeck's office from the Greens in the new black and red federal government. Reiche was previously CEO of Westenergie AG, a subsidiary of the Energy Group E.ON, and thus brings extensive experience from the economy into its new role. Her nomination follows the cancellation of Carsten Linnemann for the Ministeramt.

The CDU published the cabinet list on April 28, 2025, the seven ministers from the Union, seven from the SPD and three from the CSU. However, these political constellations invite you to discussions, in particular with regard to the possible conflicts of interest that could have rich with their previous commitment in the economy.

criticism of possible conflicts of interest

LobbyControl has already expressed sharp criticism of Katherina Reiche. The organization calls for an obligation to disclose the corporate participations of ministers and state secretaries. According to LobbyControl, there is a risk that rich cannot stay away from questions that affect Western Energy and E.ON business interests. These concerns raise questions about the integrity and independence of the new minister.

Reiche was a member of the German Bundestag from 1998 to 2015 and was considered a close confidante by Angela Merkel. In her time in parliament, she served as a parliamentary state secretary in the environmental and transport ministry. Her comprehensive political experience should benefit her in her new position. Nevertheless, the question arises as to how it can actually implement transparency and predictability in the energy transition, as described in the coalition agreement.

In addition, she recently accepted a supervisory board post with the Swedish company Ingrid Capacity, which further increases the concerns about her economic entanglements. The observation by lobby controlled and other critical voices will be a decisive factor for your government activity, especially with regard to the sensitive area of ​​energy policy.

The challenges that are in front of the rich are huge. The need for a transparent and predictable energy transition is more urgent than ever. It remains to be seen how it will meet these requirements during her term and what political accents she can set. In an environment that is characterized by criticism and skepticism, their actions will be observed closely.