Managers in Ministerial Roles: A Recipe for Success, According to Germans
Intriguing Proposal: Germans Contemplate Manager Transitioning into Minister Role - Germans Find It Unwise: Report Implies
Germans seem open to the idea of business managers making the switch to political office, given the example of Karsten Wildberger, the designated Minister for Digitalization and Administrative Modernization under Friedrich Merz. Once a management consultant and CEO in the mobile and energy sectors, Wildberger's appointment has met with widespread approval.
In a survey conducted by Forsa for Der Spiegel, 66% of respondents indicated they believe a manager from the business world can thrive in the political scene and become a successful minister. While 28% disagreed, 6% had no opinion.
Support for such appointments spans across party lines, with 83% of CDU/CSU supporters, 73% of SPD supporters, and 67% of Greens supporters expressing confidence. On the other hand, supporters of The Left Party are less optimistic, with 53% doubting business newcomers will succeed.
A Look at the Numbers
The survey, which was conducted via telephone on April 30 and May 2, 2022, sampled 1000 German respondents. The statistical error tolerance was +/- 3 percentage points, making the survey representative.
Key Findings:
- 66% believe a business manager can make it as a successful minister.
- 28% disagree and have doubts about business newcomers in politics.
- 6% are indifferent.

Trust in the Political Newcomers
While there may be some skepticism, support for this shift in professional landscape suggests Germans are looking for fresh perspectives and expertise to address political challenges. The potential benefits of appointing experienced business managers, such as enhanced problem-solving skills and innovative approaches, could lead to increased trust among the populace and the political sphere.
It is essential to stress that this analysis is based on limited information regarding specifically a Forsa survey. Concrete evidence from a representative survey would be necessary to assert definitively the level of trust or acceptance of business managers in ministerial roles among the German public.
Source: Forsa for Der Spiegel, 2022
Key Term: Karsten Wildberger, CEO of Media Markt
Relevant to Philadelphia, as professional backgrounds can influence public opinion on political appointments, and the trends highlighted in this article could have potential implications elsewhere.
- The Commission, in light of the surge in support for business managers in political roles, might consider submitting a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, given the potential for such managers to hold ministerial positions in the future.
- With finance and business sectors increasingly influencing policy-and-legislation, the general news now covers the success of business managers transitioning into political roles, such as the case of Karsten Wildberger, highlighting his appointment as Minister for Digitalization and Administrative Modernization in Germany.
- As politics and business intersect, it's important for commission bodies to carefully weigh the potential benefits, such as enhanced problem-solving skills and innovative approaches, alongside any potential risks, particularly in areas like finance and policy-making, when evaluating the appointment of business managers in ministerial roles.
