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North Rhine–Westphalia’s Reul Faces Internal Complaint as Prosecutors Review Police Site Deal

At issue is an alleged pledge steering €650 million to the state BLB despite a legal estimate of €173 million for renovation.

Overview

  • The Interior Ministry’s internal audit is examining a house-internal complaint about Herbert Reul’s involvement in negotiations over the Wuppertal police complex.
  • The Düsseldorf public prosecutor confirms it is reviewing incoming submissions to assess an initial suspicion, following earlier November filings that were deemed insufficient for a charge.
  • Internal documents reported by WDR indicate Finance Minister Marcus Optendrenk proposed a €1 billion police package from 2030 contingent on €650 million returning to the BLB for the Wuppertal project.
  • BLB plans would lift annual rent from roughly €4 million to nearly €30 million after renovation, while a legal opinion cited by ministry specialists caps refurbishment costs at about €173 million.
  • Reul acknowledges personally stepping into the stalled talks and says he will await legal findings, as police representatives detail burst pipes, flooding and sewage leaks at the site and the FDP seeks parliamentary scrutiny.