New Berlin State Secretary Straßmeir jokes about not wanting a third term

Berlin's cultural administration welcomes Alexander Straßmeir as the new State Secretary for Societal Cohesion. Straßmeir, a seasoned administrative lawyer with extensive experience in Berlin's public service, has officially taken up his new role. In a notable address to the House of Representatives' Culture Committee, Straßmeir lightheartedly remarked on the prospect of serving a third term as state secretary, a position he previously held in the Justice Department from 2011 to 2016.

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I feel very honored. However, I openly admit that I would hesitate if I were asked to become State Secretary a third time.

Straßmeir's return to public service comes after a period of retirement. His appointment is particularly significant given the recent political developments. The previous State Secretary, Sarah Wedl-Wilson, resigned on the same day Straßmeir was appointed, following a critical report from the State Audit Office regarding the unlawful allocation of funds for anti-Semitism projects.

"I feel very honored. However, I openly admit that I would hesitate if I were asked to become State Secretary a third time," Straßmeir quipped, referencing the rapid turnover in the position. He noted that the senator he initially served under resigned after twelve days, and the current senator resigned on his appointment day. "And one doesn't want to imagine what happens to the next one."

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The probability is low, because when I became State Secretary 15 years ago, the Senator resigned after twelve days. Last Friday, Sarah Wedl-Wilson appointed me and resigned the same day. And one doesn't want to imagine what happens to the next one.

Having served in various capacities within the Berlin administration since 1989, Straßmeir brings a wealth of institutional knowledge to his new role. His career has included work for the Protestant Church and significant tenures in the Senate Department for Justice and Consumer Protection. His familiarity with the city's administrative landscape is expected to be a valuable asset as he takes on the crucial task of fostering societal cohesion.

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I was born in Berlin and entered the service of the Berlin administration in November 1989. Then I took on various tasks.