The newly established Federal Ministry for Digital Affairs and State Modernization, spearheaded by Minister Karsten Wildberger (CDU), is facing growing scrutiny over its perceived lack of transformative impact on Germany’s digital policy landscape. While Minister Wildberger defends his approach by drawing parallels to a football team undergoing a strategic overhaul, critics within and outside of government are questioning the ministry’s tangible accomplishments in its initial six months.
The ministry, formed under the current black-red coalition government, consolidated departments from five existing ministries and the Chancellery, a structural change intended to streamline digital policy execution. However, beyond the recently approved modernization agenda, observers note a scarcity of concrete results. Digital State Secretary of Saxony-Anhalt, Bernd Schlömer (FDP), voiced a sentiment shared by many, stating the ministry lacks “dynamism and agility” and that “not much has happened” yet.
Wildberger’s commitment to direct involvement in ongoing projects, specifically referencing his close monitoring of the development of planned administrative apps, has also ignited debate. His rationale, that ministers must demonstrate interest in the solutions proposed by their officials, is being interpreted by some as micromanagement, raising concerns about bureaucratic bottlenecks and stifling innovation within the ministry’s own ranks.
The fundamental question being raised is whether the extensive restructuring has yielded a genuine shift in direction or simply absorbed existing functions under a new organizational umbrella. While Wildberger champions the metaphor of a revitalized team, the absence of demonstrably improved outcomes is fueling skepticism about the ministry’s broader mission to modernize Germany’s digital infrastructure and state services. The perceived lack of momentum is prompting a critical examination of the ministry’s leadership style and strategic priorities – and whether it can truly deliver on the ambitious goals initially set forth.