Philipp Fernis: The new Minister of Justice for Rhineland-Palatinate is appointed!

Philipp Fernis: The new Minister of Justice for Rhineland-Palatinate is appointed!

The designated Minister of Justice of Rhineland-Palatinate, Philipp Fernis, was presented on Monday evening as part of an event in the favorite Parkhotel at the Mainz Rosengarten. Among those present were prominent members of the FDP, including Vice Chair Daniela Schmitt, Carina Konrad, as well as the FDP district chief Andy Becht and State Secretary Matthias Frey. The decision to fill the Ministry of Justice with Fernis is considered a striking swivel for the liberals, as it symbolizes the transition to a new leadership within the party, while Daniela Schmitt is now free.

Philipp Fernis, who now takes over the post at the age of 42, succeeds Herbert Mertin, who died on February 21, 2025, succeeds. Mertin died at the age of 66 and leaves a significant gap in the country's judicial area. As reported by fdp.de , the decision was announced in favor of Fernis by the FDP party management in Mainz. His swearing in in the state parliament is planned for Wednesday, followed by a minute of commemoration for Mertin.

technical expertise and political career

Fernis brings a broad legal expertise. He completed his law studies in Mainz and Koblenz and was State Secretary in the Ministry of Justice under Mertin from 2016 to 2021. Before that, he also worked as a lawyer at the Federal Statistical Office in Wiesbaden. The FDP State Association of Rhineland-Palatinate emphasizes its extensive experience and competence, which it brings for the new position.

The support for Faris is undisputed, he has also announced that he intends to continue his ministerial office even after the next state election on March 22, 2026. A decision on his successor as a parliamentary group leader for the rest of the election period will be made in the next parliamentary group meeting, since he has to clear this post as a minister after the appointment. It is particularly noteworthy that Fernis does not plan to compete against Daniela Schmitt in the election of the state chairman of the FDP.

political turbulence and intra -party support

The FDP is currently facing turbulent times. Schmitt, who is the only candidate for the party chairmanship, learns internal party criticism, including for allegations that were raised against her husband. She herself denies that I have had an impact on decisive political processes, which also fueled the discussions in the party.

The grief for Herbert Mertin was also appropriately recognized in politics. A state funeral service took place on March 14th in Koblenz, at which around 300 people from politics and judiciary as well as from Mertin's personal environment. This illustrates the high appreciation that Mertin has experienced for his work and his commitment.

With the appointment of Philipp Fernis as Minister of Justice, not only a new section for the FDP, but also for the judiciary in Rhineland-Palatinate is heralded. Prime Minister Alexander Schweitzer (SPD) will present the certificate of appointment and thus initiate a new era in the Ministry of Justice.