Ongoing Stir Around Schwesig-Spokesperson Blaudszun - SPD's election campaign chief faces conflict-of-interest backlash over state contracts
Lilly Blaudszun has been chosen to lead the SPD’s campaign communications in the coming election year. The appointment has sparked controversy, with critics questioning her ties to a consulting firm that secured state contracts. Opposition politicians and taxpayer groups are now calling for her removal.
Blaudszun currently works for 365 Sherpas, a communications agency under the Hirschen Group. Between 2022 and 2025, the state chancellor’s office paid the firm nearly €60,000 for PR services. The German Taxpayers’ Association criticised the arrangement, arguing it posed a conflict of interest.
A government spokesperson rejected the claims as 'far-fetched,' pointing out that the contracts were awarded before Blaudszun joined 365 Sherpas. The SPD also clarified that her hiring was an internal party decision, not one made by the state chancellor’s office. Further scrutiny arose when another Hirschen Group company, Ressourcenmangel Integral GmbH, won a contract to redesign the government’s online portal. Nikolaus Kramer, leader of the AfD parliamentary group, demanded that SPD state leader Manuela Schwesig distance herself from Blaudszun.
The dispute centres on whether Blaudszun’s dual role creates a conflict of interest. The SPD maintains that her appointment follows proper procedures, while critics insist the contracts raise ethical concerns. The issue is likely to remain a point of contention as the election campaign progresses.
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