Foreign Office Faces Deep Cuts Under minister Wadephul
Berlin – foreign Minister Johann Wadephul announced today, November 26, 2025, a sweeping restructuring of the Foreign Office that will eliminate hundreds of positions, sparking immediate criticism from unions and opposition parties. The cuts, intended to modernize the ministry and streamline operations, will impact departments across the diplomatic service, with a particular focus on administrative roles.
The move represents a meaningful shift in priorities for the Foreign Office under Minister Wadephul, who assumed the post earlier this year. Officials state the restructuring is necessary to address budgetary constraints and adapt to evolving geopolitical challenges. approximately 300 positions will be eliminated through a combination of attrition, early retirement packages, and targeted redundancies, according to a statement released by the ministry. Affected employees were informed of the changes this morning.
Wadephul, a member of the CDU, has publicly emphasized the need for a more agile and efficient Foreign Office. He recently stated, “We must ensure that our diplomatic resources are deployed where they are most needed, and that we are not burdened by needless bureaucracy.” The cuts come amid ongoing debates regarding Germany’s foreign policy strategy, notably concerning its role in the Syrian conflict, where Wadephul has taken a firm stance advocating for a renewed commitment to diplomatic solutions.
The proclamation has drawn sharp condemnation from the German Civil Service Union (dbf), which warned of a potential decline in the quality of diplomatic services. “These cuts will severely hamper the Foreign Office’s ability to effectively represent German interests abroad,” said dbf spokesperson Ingrid Müller. Opposition parties have also criticized the move, accusing wadephul of undermining the diplomatic corps.
The restructuring is expected to be phased in over the next six months, with the majority of the job losses occurring by spring 2026. The ministry has pledged to provide support and retraining opportunities for affected employees. The long-term impact of the cuts on Germany’s foreign policy remains to be seen.