Thorsten Frei, the new head of the Federal Chancellery, plans to continue with the expansion of the building despite earlier criticism. “The time to reasonably decide on a construction stop has long passed” said Frei to “Stern.” He admitted that he had a very critical view of the expansion at first, but now something is growing out of the ground. They will be looking for the most cost-effective solution for the continued construction. Frei previously criticized the plans as a “palatial building.” Under Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD), the Federal Chancellery was significantly staffed up. The costs for expanding the building have risen to around 800 million euros. Despite criticism from his former Finance Minister, Christian Lindner, Scholz held on to the expansion plans. In his new role, Frei promises to also reduce staff at the Chancellery. The coalition agreement has set a goal of reducing staff by two percent per year. “This applies to all ministries and of course, it also applies to the Chancellery” said Frei. “It would not be credible politics if I only demanded the unpleasant things from others.” The federal government has been growing in recent decades, with only a few exceptions. “We urgently need to reverse this trend.” The government is also reducing the number of special envoys, with a cabinet decision to reduce their number already made. Frei stated that he had to check whether some positions still exist or if they were a joke. They will end the “envoy madness.” This is not primarily about saving money, but about more efficient state organization.
New Chancellor’s Office Chief Supports Expensive Building Expansion
