A German Minister’s Business Ties Under Scrutiny
The German government is facing a fresh controversy after a senior Green party official, Andreas Audretsch, called on the Minister of Economics, Katherina Reiche, to disclose her private business interests. Audretsch, the deputy faction leader of the Greens, expressed concerns that Reiche’s failure to provide transparency in her business dealings could lead to a perception of self-interest in her decision-making as a minister.
Reiche, a member of the Christian Democratic Union, has been accused of not fully disclosing her business ties, including the extent of her involvement in various companies. Audretsch has requested that Reiche provide a detailed account of her business interests, including whether she has placed her assets in a trust or sold her shares, citing the need for transparency in the minister’s decision-making process.
The controversy has been sparked by Reiche’s response to a parliamentary inquiry, which Audretsch claims did not provide sufficient information. The Greens’ official has also expressed concerns about the lack of clarity regarding the compliance regulations in place within the Ministry of Economics, which he believes could be used to justify decisions made in the minister’s personal interest rather than in the best interests of the country.