Following the state cabinet’s decision to appoint Carsten Günther as the future president of the Higher Administrative Court, Justice Minister Benjamin Limbach (Green Party) has adopted a conciliatory tone regarding the appointment, particularly in light of allegations Günther previously raised against him.
“I will work openly and confidently with the future president of the Higher Administrative Court. I have said this before, regarding every candidate in this process. This is part of a professional working relationship” Limbach told the “Rheinische Post”. He further emphasized, “The focus now is on preparing the administrative courts and the judiciary for the future.
Carsten Günther echoed this sentiment in comments to the “Rheinische Post”. “The Minister stated in the Legal Committee that he could work confidently with any of the candidates. The same applies to me. We owe this to the citizens and to the staff in the administrative court system” he stated. “The position of president of the Higher Administrative Court is an important public duty. It is positive that the long-standing vacancy will now be filled.
The appointment follows a legal dispute during which Günther accused Justice Minister Benjamin Limbach (Green Party) of making false statements. He also suggested the possibility of unauthorized coordination within the black-green coalition concerning the filling of the position.