NRW Justice Minister Denies Political Bias in Court Appointment Inquiry

Benjamin Limbach testifies in a parliamentary inquiry, rejecting allegations of favoritism and proposing reforms after legal challenges halted the appointment process.

• Justice Minister Benjamin Limbach testified for over four hours, denying claims of political influence in the selection process for the President of the Higher Administrative Court in North Rhine-Westphalia.
• Limbach emphasized that he followed the recommendation of his ministry's department and had no personal bias, despite informal relationships with some candidates.
• The NRW Cabinet withdrew its initial appointment decision after multiple legal challenges and a Federal Constitutional Court ruling citing insufficient investigation into potential bias.
• A federal judge who was not selected accused Limbach of making false statements and described the process as unlawful, alleging favoritism and political patronage.
• Limbach acknowledged flaws in the selection process, proposed reforms, and announced plans to commission an expert panel to improve future judicial appointments.

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