The newly established Federal Ministry for Digitalization and State Modernization, spearheaded by CDU Minister Karsten Wildberger, is facing growing scrutiny over its effectiveness and tangible impact on Germany’s digital strategy. While Minister Wildberger defends his approach by drawing parallels to a football team overhaul, critics within and outside the government are questioning whether the ministry is delivering on its promise of fresh impetus or simply replicating existing functions.
The ministry, formed under the current black-red coalition government, consolidated departments from five other ministries and the Chancellery. This structural shift, intended to streamline digital policy implementation, has, according to several observers, yielded few concrete results in its initial six months. While a modernization agenda was approved in October, concerns are mounting regarding the lack of demonstrable progress beyond that symbolic milestone.
Bernd Schlömer, Digital State Secretary for Saxony-Anhalt, voiced a sentiment shared by many, stating a need for “more dynamism and agility” to ensure the ministry’s success. The critique extends beyond simply a lack of output; it targets the very methodology employed by Minister Wildberger. His decision to actively engage with departmental projects, particularly those concerning planned administrative apps, is being viewed by some as overly interventionist and potentially stifling innovation within the civil service.
Wildberger argues that his hands-on approach is essential for driving change, asserting that ministers must demonstrate engagement with the solutions developed by their teams. He insists that understanding the intricacies of these projects is a prerequisite for successful modernization. However, this strategy risks blurring the lines of responsibility and could be perceived as micromanagement, potentially disincentivizing initiative and ownership among civil servants.
The situation highlights a broader debate regarding the role of political oversight within government agencies and the delicate balance between ministerial direction and bureaucratic autonomy. While the ambition of the ministry’s creation was laudable, the current trajectory demands a critical re-evaluation of its structure, processes and the Minister’s personal management style to ensure it genuinely fosters the transformative digital modernization Germany urgently requires. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the ministry can overcome these early criticisms and deliver on its significant mandate.
