Sönmez and Mansoori in the crossfire: Messari-Becker's dismissal affair!

Sönmez and Mansoori in the crossfire: Messari-Becker's dismissal affair!

In the committee investigating the dismissal affair of former State Secretary Lamia Messari-Becker, the focus is increasingly on the background to her controversial term of office. The State Secretary for Economic Affairs Umut Sönmez (SPD) recently appeared as a witness and highlighted both the technical competence and the difficulties that Messari-Becker had in administrative actions and in finding compromises. She rejected a coaching offer that Sönmez made to her, which didn't make the personal relationship between the two any easier. Sönmez defended himself against the allegations that he had acted in a macho manner and emphasized that he had always behaved considerately, as fr.de reported.

The investigative committee aims to clarify the reasons for the dismissal of Messari-Becker, which was communicated by Economics Minister Kaweh Mansoori (SPD) in July 2024 due to “unacceptable misconduct”. Mansoori, who also appeared as a witness, expressed great appreciation for Messari-Becker, but pointed to a "deeply shaken trust" that was shaken by her personal misconduct. The central allegations concern the claim that Messari-Becker tried to use her influence at school to help her daughter get a better high school grade. These accusations were vehemently rejected by Messari-Becker, who spoke of damage to her reputation and emphasized that she had never used her position for personal gain, according to tagesschau.de.

Inadequate administration and the consequences

It appears that there were other problems during Messari-Becker's tenure as well. Her desk became a bottleneck for files in the ministry, which not only led to increased work pressure but also increased organizational chaos. Mansoori made it clear that a mix of official and private interests was intolerable for him and that he perceived a “complete lack of insight” in Messari-Becker. This ultimately led to her dismissal, which he said was necessary to preserve the integrity of the office. The committee of inquiry is currently nearing completion and a report could be presented after the parliamentary summer break.

Legal framework and significance of the committee

The investigative committee is tasked with clarifying suspected problematic issues and prepares a comprehensive report that serves public scrutiny. These committees are an important instrument of parliament to control the government and are often used by the opposition, as stated on bpb.de. They are anchored in the constitutions of the federal states and may only be convened on specific, clearly described topics.

The possibility of gathering evidence, which includes interviewing witnesses and requesting files, gives the committee an important role in political education. This meeting focused on the personal and political entanglements that arose around the dismissal of Lamia Messari-Becker.

What will ultimately happen remains to be seen. One thing is clear, however: the shadows of the affair cast a long look at the political landscape in Hesse and the dynamics within the government.