The newly established Federal Ministry for Digital Affairs and State Modernization, spearheaded by CDU Minister Karsten Wildberger, is facing mounting scrutiny over its impact and effectiveness. Just six months after its formation, critics allege the ministry is largely replicating the functions of existing departments rather than ushering in a truly transformative era of digital governance.
The ministry’s creation, a key component of the current black-red coalition government, consolidated divisions from five separate ministries and the Chancellery. While proponents touted a potential for streamlined processes and accelerated digital innovation, the actual results have been underwhelming according to numerous observers. The October-approved modernization agenda represents the sole tangible output thus far, leaving many questioning the strategic value of the structural overhaul.
Bernd Schlömer, Digital State Secretary of Saxony-Anhalt, articulated a widespread sentiment among stakeholders, stating that while there’s a shared desire for success, “it’s lacking dynamism and agility. And not much has happened yet”. This criticism suggests a disconnect between the ambition of the ministry’s establishment and the reality of its operational progress.
Minister Wildberger, attempting to defend his strategy, drew an analogy to football team management, framing his approach as a strategic realignment rather than wholesale personnel changes. He maintains that reorganization, not necessarily replacement, is the key to unlocking a “new spirit” within the bureaucracy. However, his insistence on directly influencing ongoing projects, particularly those concerning planned administrative applications, has further fueled debate.
Wildberger’s justification – that he must “be closely involved” to ensure his team’s solutions are effective – is being interpreted by some as micromanagement, potentially stifling the very innovation the ministry is ostensibly designed to foster. While he acknowledges a need to understand the work being done, not dictate every detail, the prevailing concern is whether such direct ministerial oversight will ultimately impede the agility and problem-solving capacity within the newly consolidated structure. The long-term success of the Ministry for Digital Affairs and State Modernization hinges on its ability to move beyond structural reorganization and deliver tangible, innovative policy outcomes, a challenge that currently appears far from resolved.