AfD Intensifies Calls for Dismissal of Minister of State for Culture Weimer
BERLIN – The AfD parliamentary group is escalating pressure on Chancellor Merz to dismiss Minister of State for Culture Wolfram Weimer amid ongoing allegations of conflicts of interest, preparing a formal proposal for debate in the plenary session. This comes despite previous public support for Weimer from Chancellor Merz, who initially rejected the accusations against him.
The renewed push from the AfD centers on Weimer’s ties to Weimer Media Group, the company founded by Weimer and his wife, Christiane Goetz-weimer, which organizes the annual Ludwig Erhard Summit. Critics allege the summit offers participation packages for tens of thousands of euros, perhaps granting access and influence over political decision-makers – a claim the AfD has labeled a “lobby contact exchange.” While Weimer has transferred his shares in the company to a trustee,organizations like Lobbycontrol argue he retains a financial connection through his wife and that a essential conflict of interest remains.
Lobbycontrol is also calling on Chancellor merz to implement government-wide rules requiring disclosure of company holdings by government members. The core of the controversy lies in accusations that Weimer has blurred the lines between his political office and private business interests. The debate continues, with further information available regarding the case and Chancellor Merz’s previous support for Weimer.
This report originated from a Deutschlandfunk broadcast on November 24th, 2025.
