Friedrich Merz doesn’t want them: the 34 representatives of the federal government

When CDU leader Friedrich Merz recently appeared as a guest speaker at the CSU party conference in Augsburg, he naturally emphasized the unity of both parties. He flattered Markus Söder, saying that today they are twice as strong as the SPD and the Greens. Merz especially received loud applause when he turned to another topic: the administration of the Federal Republic.

“We will also have to reduce the size of the state apparatus,” said Merz in Augsburg. He referred to the “bloated hydrocephalus in the Berlin offices.” In the federal government alone there are currently 34 representatives “for everything and anything”. All that is needed is the military commissioner. At this point the CSU audience finally cheered.

The 34 representatives are intended to support the ministries and departments

The commissioners are generally appointed by the federal government and are intended to support and advise them in their respective specialist areas. They are usually members of the federal government, state secretaries, ambassadors or state ministers. Some of the commissioners were abolished over time and others were created. Below is a loose selection of the representatives’ work areas, as of January 1, 2024:

By the way, what Merz didn’t say in his speech in Augsburg: He himself had appointed a personal representative in May. Since then, CSU MP Daniela Ludwig has been responsible for relations with Israel and Jewish organizations in Germany.

This image gallery presents a selection of interesting and relevant officers and the people behind the office.