The Technical University of Chemnitz has finally revoked the doctoral degree of Thuringian Prime Minister Mario Voigt (CDU), a decision upheld by the Faculty of Philosophy’s council. According to reports from Stern, the council rejected the politician’s appeal against the ruling that was made back in January.
A spokesperson for the TU informed the magazine that the body had previously reviewed the “legality and appropriateness of the original decision” on July 15. Based on this review, the faculty council subsequently decided to deny the appeal, and Voigt’s lawyers were notified on July 17.
In response, the Prime Minister is challenging the decision through the administrative court. The law firm representing him informed Stern that, based on the proceedings so far, the university’s decision was “not surprising.” Nevertheless, the firm insists that the process raises “significant legal questions” concerning both the standard of evaluation and the principle of proportionality, and they are preparing a lawsuit accordingly.
Voigt’s legal team also reiterated previously made claims against the faculty council, pointing out that, to their knowledge, it is an unprecedented event for a university to strip a doctoral title after an external, independent expert has confirmed that the prerequisites for such a removal are not met. Furthermore, they argue that the university itself acknowledges that, beyond flawed passages, the work constitutes a genuine independent scientific achievement-a finding they assert cannot be reconciled with the revocation.
Mario Voigt has not yet commented on the situation personally. The deadline for filing the appeal is August 17, and the Chemnitz Administrative Court is expected to handle the case.
