Overview
- Social Minister René Wilke said he plans to combine the two state advocate posts that advise the government on seniors and on people with disabilities.
- He cited an expected billion-euro budget shortfall and the SPD/CDU agreement to review the system of state commissioners as reasons for the move.
- The disability commissioner seat is vacant after former officeholder Janny Armbruster withdrew her appeal in the Berlin-Brandenburg labor court over not being reappointed.
- Wilke will take the proposal to Brandenburg’s disability advisory council and will put forward current senior commissioner Norman Asmus to lead a merged office.
- Green Party state leader Clemens Rostock warned the consolidation could weaken both roles by stretching one office across distinct needs, which could reduce attention and access for affected residents.