The German government is reportedly creating a “Migration Ambassador” position within the Federal Interior Ministry (BMI), a move critics are already labeling a contradictory and potentially bureaucratic reversal of a previous cost-cutting initiative. Following a government decision in May to eliminate 25 special envoy positions, including the role of the Federal Government Commissioner for Migration previously held by FDP politician Joachim Stamp, the reappearance of a similar function is raising eyebrows.
Ludwig Jung, a diplomat currently working within the Foreign Office, is believed to be favored for the position, with an anticipated start date in the new year. Neither the Foreign Office nor the Interior Ministry has provided an official comment regarding the appointment and details surrounding the Ambassador’s resources and responsibilities have yet to be disclosed.
The rationale behind reinstating a migration-focused role, only weeks after dismantling the previous structure and its dedicated staff, seems to be centered on continuing Stamp’s efforts to persuade non-EU nations to accept deportees while simultaneously facilitating pathways for foreign skilled workers to Germany. However, the sudden shift has sparked questions concerning the government’s commitment to streamlining bureaucracy and achieving genuine savings.
The necessity of re-establishing a support team for the new Ambassador adds another layer of complexity. The size and scope of this staffing remains unclear, potentially negating the declared savings from the initial abolition of special envoy roles. Furthermore, the appointment of a diplomat to the position inevitably introduces potential protocol challenges, as Stamp previously navigated high-level diplomatic engagements with state secretaries and vice-ministers abroad. The success of the “Migration Ambassador” will hinge on avoiding the pitfalls that plagued his predecessor and demonstrating a genuine shift in strategy rather than a mere rebranding of existing initiatives.