The German government’s newly launched “Just Do It” online portal, intended to gather citizen feedback on bureaucratic obstacles, has received over 12,400 submissions in its first four weeks. According to a spokesperson for the Digital Ministry, quoted by “Rheinische Post”, a total of 12,423 reports were filed between December 12, 2025 and January 7, 2026. Roughly half of these originate from individual citizens, while just under a quarter are attributed to businesses.
An analysis of the submissions reveals a significant focus on frustrations with bureaucratic processes. More than 5,200 reports specifically concerned administrative procedures like applications and official notices, fueling concerns about the accessibility and efficiency of government services. A further 1,000 requests centered on digital transformation initiatives and approximately 850 addressed tax-related complexities.
Digital Minister Karsten Wildberger, of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), hailed the volume of submissions as a “clear mandate” asserting that it compels the government to accelerate efforts in easing bureaucratic burdens, particularly in areas of greatest need. He positioned the collected feedback as a “valuable basis” for targeted and effective de-bureaucratization.
The “Einfach machen” platform, operational for just under a month, allows citizens to flag instances of perceived unnecessary or excessive bureaucracy. The government claims this feedback will assist in prioritization exercises. However, critics question the practical impact of the platform amidst broader concerns regarding the government’s commitment to genuine structural reform. The sheer volume of submissions also raises questions about the ministry’s capacity to meaningfully process and act upon the received information, potentially rendering the exercise largely performative without significant investment in dedicated analysis and subsequent legislative action. The platform’s success hinges not only on citizen engagement but also on a demonstrable willingness from the government to translate these concerns into tangible policy changes.