Germany Debates Future of Development Ministry in Coalition Talks
Proposals to merge the BMZ into the Foreign Office face criticism over potential loss of global influence and setbacks in addressing critical international challenges.
- Union and SPD are negotiating the integration of the Development Ministry (BMZ) into the Foreign Office, raising concerns from experts and organizations.
- Former ministers Gerd Müller and Heidemarie Wieczorek-Zeul warn that dissolving the BMZ could significantly weaken Germany's global influence and reputation.
- Environmental groups like WWF caution that merging the BMZ would harm efforts to combat climate change and biodiversity loss.
- Lessons from the UK's 2020 merger of its Development Ministry into the Foreign Office highlight risks of diminished soft power and unmet policy goals.
- A commission led by Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer recommends closer coordination of the BMZ with other ministries but opposes its dissolution.
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