A top official at Germany’s economy and climate ministry has resigned after allegations that he had been involved in choosing his best man to head the federally-owned German Energy Agency and that he had signed financial support for a project involving his…
The German Economics and Climate Minister Robert Habeck (right) and the State Secretary in the Economics and Climate Ministry Patrick Graichen (middle) leave the chancellery after the cabinet meeting of the federal government in Berlin, Germany, Wednesday, May 10, 2023. Graichen has started his job on Resigned Wednesday May 17, 2023 after allegations were made that he had been involved in the selection of his best man for the chief post at the federally owned German Energy Agency (Dena). (` Photo/Markus Schreiber)
The Associated Press
BERLIN — A top official at Germany’s economy and climate ministry resigned on Wednesday after allegations that he had been involved in choosing his best man to head the federally-owned German Energy Agency and that he had underwritten financial support for a project his sister was working on was involved
Patrick Graichen was one of the closest associates of Minister for Economic Affairs Robert Habeck and was responsible for the development and implementation of the government’s energy policy with the aim of achieving net-zero emissions in Germany by 2045.
Graichen was under pressure for weeks after the media revealed his involvement in the job selection, but last week Habeck still said Graichen could keep his job.
On Wednesday, however, Habeck told journalists in Berlin that Graichen also violated the ministry’s compliance regulations when he signed the ministry’s planned financial support for a project by the Berlin branch of the BUND environmental group, of which Graichen’s sister sat on the board .
“Against this background, Patrick Graichen and I agreed in a personal conversation yesterday evening that we will not continue our joint work,” said Habeck.
With regard to the allegation that Graichen was involved in the selection of his best man for the management of the energy agency, Habeck said: “There is no question that a mistake was made and we have created transparency about it.”
Opposition MPs had tirelessly called for Graichen’s dismissal.
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