Overview
- A Spiegel investigation reported that Home Minister Ina Scharrenbach fostered a fear-driven workplace where employees described health harm and deep distress.
- Minister-President Hendrik Wüst rejected demands for a special outside investigator and said Scharrenbach has acknowledged criticism and set out remedies.
- The SPD called for an independent investigator and urged Scharrenbach to step aside temporarily, and the FDP supported the call for an external review.
- Scharrenbach announced internal steps including a staff assembly, a leadership retreat for managers, and an anonymous complaints channel, which critics said do not meet the moment.
- Opposition figures warned they could seek a parliamentary inquiry committee if the government blocks an outside probe, a move that could force testimony and pull the dispute into the election campaign window.