North Rhine-Westphalia’s Minister President, Hendrik Wüst, is advocating for a broad-ranging state reform aimed at streamlining processes and improving efficiency across Germany. In an interview with POLITICO, Wüst emphasized the need for states to be willing to cede responsibilities to facilitate simplification.
“We, as states, must be open to relinquishing competencies to achieve improvements” he stated, expressing his readiness to participate in such reforms if it serves the greater good. He highlighted the potential of increased collaboration to lead to enhanced quality and faster decision-making, suggesting the possibility of establishing binding agreements for citizens nationwide through majority decisions.
Wüst praised a recently released report by the “Initiative for a capable state” a group including former federal ministers Peer Steinbrück (SPD) and Thomas de Maizière (CDU). The report underscored the urgent need for Germany to modernize, accelerate its processes and reduce bureaucracy.
The North Rhine-Westphalia leader believes fundamental changes are essential. He stressed that modernization isn’t limited to governmental structures but requires a shift in societal values. “We need a culture where risk-taking and individual responsibility are valued more than absolute security – only then can we truly simplify legislation and administration”.