Ampel Coalition’s Exceptional Practices in Federal Personnel Decisions
The Ampel coalition, comprising the Social Democrats (SPD), the Free Democrats (FDP), and the Greens, has implemented a series of exceptional practices in its approach to federal personnel decisions, according to the Federal Ministry of the Interior.
Non-Probationary Appointments
In a departure from the norm, the federal government has appointed 320 employees without a probationary period. The Federal Ministry of Development, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Transport have each accounted for over 50 such cases. The Federal Ministry of Economics has appointed 50 employees without probation, while other ministries have recorded fewer or no such appointments. Ordinarily, appointments to permanent civil service positions require a three-year probationary period.
Non-Advertised Hires
The coalition has also deviated from the rule requiring open advertisement of vacant positions. According to the response to an inquiry from Heidi Reichinnek, a member of parliament from the Left party, 414 employees have been hired without prior advertisement of their positions by mid-January.
Skipped Pay Groups
Another deviation from standard practice involves skipping pay groups. The Federal Ministry of the Interior reported that over 400 cases have involved employees advancing directly to higher pay or salary groups. Typically, employees progress through the pay scale one step at a time.
Justifications and Concerns
The justifications for these exceptional practices are not explicitly stated in the article, leaving room for speculation. Some may argue that the need to fill critical vacancies or attract highly qualified individuals prompted these deviations from standard procedures. Others may express concerns about the erosion of merit-based recruitment and promotion, as well as the potential for favoritism or political influence in personnel decisions.
Legal Considerations
It is important to note that the federal government must adhere to legal and regulatory frameworks in its personnel practices. The German Civil Service Act (Beamtengesetz) establishes the general principles and procedures for appointing and managing civil servants. Deviations from these principles must be justified and authorized in accordance with the law.
Transparency and Accountability
The Ampel coalition’s exceptional practices have raised questions about transparency and accountability in federal personnel decisions. The lack of clear justifications and the absence of a public debate on these deviations may undermine public trust in the fairness and impartiality of the government’s hiring and promotion practices.
Future Developments
It remains to be seen whether the coalition will continue its exceptional practices in federal personnel decisions. The outcomes of ongoing inquiries and the public’s reaction to these deviations will likely influence the government’s future approach to personnel management.