Financial Ministry Appoints New Chief Economist
The German Federal Ministry of Finance is set to appoint a new head of the department of fundamental principles, a position that carries significant influence in shaping the ministry’s economic policies. According to sources within the government, the chosen candidate is Armin Steinbach, a lawyer and economist with a strong academic background. Steinbach, a professor at the Paris-based HEC University, is expected to succeed Nicolaus Heinen, the current head of the department, who was appointed by the previous finance minister, Christian Lindner.
Steinbach’s credentials are impressive, having studied law and economics and holding a professorship at HEC. Prior to his academic career, he worked in politics, leading the economic policy department at the Federal Ministry of Economics and later taking on the leadership of the financial policy department at the Federal Ministry of Finance before moving to Paris in 2021.
The official announcement is yet to be made, pending the confirmation of the appointment by the cabinet. A spokesperson for the finance ministry declined to comment on the matter, citing the ongoing process.