Concerns have arisen within the German Foreign Ministry regarding a recent departmental relocation, sparking discontent among some staff members. According to a report in “Der Spiegel”, the shift stems from a prior decision made by former Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (of the Green Party) to move the “Culture and Society” division (Department 6) out of the main headquarters building on Werderscher Markt in central Berlin.
The department has been moved to rented office space located outside of the central Foreign Ministry complex. Current Minister Johann Wadephul (of the Christian Democratic Union – CDU) faced criticism regarding this decision during a staff meeting held on July 3rd.
The chairman of the employee representation committee confirmed that over 100 employees had contacted the committee to voice their concerns. Ministry officials acknowledge that this interim arrangement necessitates a high degree of flexibility from employees, citing ongoing renovations to the main headquarters building as the primary reason for the move. The ministry says the building has experienced consistent staff growth in recent years, leading to space limitations.
However, employees have expressed skepticism towards this explanation. This comes amid plans by Minister Wadephul’s leadership to reduce domestic staff positions by approximately eight percent. Officials within the ministry concede that these proposed cuts will only marginally alleviate the current shortage of office space.