Negotiations among German government ministries regarding the allocation of responsibilities are taking longer than initially anticipated by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, according to a report in the Handelsblatt.
Following Merz’s assumption of office in early May, a preliminary organizational decree outlined broad shifts in departmental responsibilities. The subsequent, more detailed arrangements were slated to be formalized within a legally binding administrative agreement by July 31st. However, a spokesperson for the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs confirmed to the Handelsblatt on Sunday that discussions are ongoing.
A key area of contention appears to be the division of duties between the economics and research portfolios. An internal email from Frank Wetzel, State Secretary at the Ministry for Economic Affairs, indicates significant progress has been made in coordinating with the Digital Ministry and the Environment Ministry. The email, which the Handelsblatt obtained, suggests these negotiations are nearing completion.
Notably absent from the email’s mention is the research portfolio, currently held by Minister Dorothee Bär. Sources within the governing coalition suggest disagreements persist between the two ministries concerning the distribution of responsibilities related to innovation policy. While the organizational decree designates Bär as responsible for “fundamental questions of national and international innovation and technology policy” specific funding programs such as the Central Innovation Programme for SMEs (ZIM), industrial cooperative research (IGF) and research promotion in structurally weak regions (Inno-Kom) remain subject to the ongoing debate. Minister Bär is reportedly keen to retain oversight of these programs, a position not readily conceded by her counterparts.