The federal government clarifies that the Commissioner for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises' position as Federal Chair of the SME and Business Union and her position as Parliamentary State Secretary are not factually or legally incompatible. According to the current legal situation, there are no incompatibilities, and the exercise of her office does not give rise to any perceived conflict of interest.
Federal government sees no conflict of interest
The German Green Party, Bündnis 90/Die Grünen, posed a parliamentary question that sparked the discussion over potential structural connections between the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and the position of Chair of the SME and Business Union. The federal government rejects these concerns and emphasises that said Chair is an intra-party division and does not receive preferential treatment.
Support from politics and industry
The SME sector is also supporting Ms Connemann. For instance, VERE expressly welcomes her appointment as SME Commissioner. Ms Gitta Connemann has been associated with VERE for many years, therefore, we are all the more pleased that the allegation of a conflict of interest has now been put to rest. The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs emphasises that she represents the interests of SMEs within the federal government and organises important SME policy initiatives.
For Ms Connemann, the federal government’s response signifies, above all, clear political backing.
VERE e.V. is in contact with all relevant stakeholders and keeps its members informed about further developments via the “VERE Insider”.
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