German ministry staff revolt over outsourcing of core economic policy work
The staff council at Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs has spoken out against Minister Katherina Reiche’s hiring decisions. Concerns have been raised about working conditions, leadership conduct, and how errors are managed within the department. The latest dispute centres on a new tender for external consultants, which has drawn sharp criticism from employees. The ministry recently issued a tender for 'strategic top-level management consulting'. Under the plan, external firms would provide up to 9,000 hours of support each year. Their role would cover both operational and substantive aspects of economic planning and policy implementation.
The staff council has strongly opposed the move. In a formal statement, representatives argued that the work outlined in the tender falls squarely within the ministry’s existing responsibilities. They urged leadership to abandon the consulting package, warning that it undermines the expertise of permanent staff. Criticism has also focused on the ministry’s growing dependence on outside hires. Employees have expressed frustration that their own skills and experience are being overlooked in favour of external consultants. The staff council has called for greater trust in the ministry’s workforce and a reduction in reliance on third-party advisors.
The dispute highlights tensions between ministry leadership and its staff over resource allocation and decision-making. With the tender still under consideration, the staff council’s objections may influence whether the consulting plan moves forward. The outcome will determine how much of the ministry’s core work remains in-house.
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