Former Economics Minister Steinbach: Advisory work stopped due to nexus of interests!

Former Economics Minister Steinbach: Advisory work stopped due to nexus of interests!

On September 2, 2025, the Brandenburg cabinet decided that former Economics Minister Jörg Steinbach would not be allowed to work for the law firm CMS Hasche Sigle until the end of 2026. This ban comes about in the context of possible conflicts of interest due to the Tesla location in Grünheide. CMS has previously supported the state of Brandenburg in negotiations with Tesla, which increases the potential for conflicts of interest, explained RBB24.

Jörg Steinbach was Minister for Economic Affairs, Labor and Energy in Brandenburg from September 2018 to December 2024. After leaving the ministerial office, he reported his planned consulting work for the CMS law firm to the State Chancellery. They initially gave their consent, but insisted that no Brandenburg-related activities would be taken on. A recent request to expand its operations prompted the government to re-examine it, which ultimately led to the ban, reports MAZ.

The background to the decision

The ban that has now been imposed on Steinbach is based on a recommendation from a special committee consisting of five high-ranking members, including the President of the State Audit Office. This body reviews the activities of former ministers, particularly when there are signs of conflicts of interest that could affect confidence in the integrity of the state government. The ban applies until December 10, 2026, two years after Steinbach left office, and clarifies the strict rules that apply to former members of the government in Brandenburg.

Steinbach was disappointed with the decision and left it unclear whether he would appeal. He had previously argued that his cooperation with CMS was based on previous contacts from his time as president of the Brandenburg Technical University Cottbus-Senftenberg and that no conflicts should be raised.

Conflicts of interest in politics

The situation surrounding Jörg Steinbach is part of a larger problem that has emerged in German politics in recent years. There are repeated reports of conflicts of interest and lobby influences that endanger trust in political integrity. The current federal government faces the challenge of restoring this trust and at the same time reducing one-sided lobbying influences Lobby control highlights.

The issue is reinforced by current debates about clear rules for dealing with conflicts of interest within ministries. A lack of transparency and inadequate disclosure requirements for lobby meetings repeatedly lead to public controversy.