Berlin - Two and a half years after the emergence of the RBB scandal involving allegations of mismanagement and nepotism, former RBB director Patricia Schlesinger stands before the Berlin court to argue for her entitlements. On January 15, 2025, the trial commences as both Schlesinger and the Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg (RBB) exchange mutual claims over finances, with the stakes high on both sides.
Schlesinger, who previously served as both director of RBB and chairperson of ARD, is calling for approximately 18,300 euros as severance pay based on the end of her employment. This claim arises after her abrupt termination from her position as RBB may have lacked the formal procedural backing required under her contract, which originally entitled her to such compensations for life, barring extraordinary dismissals.
The scandal first erupted back in the summer of 2022 when RBB found itself embroiled in controversy following accusations against Schlesinger, alleging negligent financial management, extravagant expenditures, and conflicts of interest connected to her administration, including expenses for personal meals charged to RBB.
Accompanying Schlesinger at the court hearing, her media lawyer Ralf Höcker emphasized her long service at RBB and her subsequent entitlements: "I demand both the severance pay and afterwards the company pension, which she has earned over 30 years with the NDR and RBB." This statement positions her fight not just as one for finances but also for dignity following public scrutiny.
Responding to Schlesinger’s claims, RBB has filed counterclaims—legally termed as ‘Widerklage’—asserting damages exceeding 1.78 million euros against the former director. RBB's accusations encompass her alleged breaches of responsibility, including spending linked to the ill-fated Digital Media House project. RBB argues Schlesinger must bear responsibility for financial losses incurred during her tenure.
The RBB has repeatedly justified these claims citing reports from the State Audit Offices, which revealed failures of compliance and oversights by management. The public broadcaster is seeking legal verification of Schlesinger’s alleged duty violations, aiming to establish her financial liability for the aforementioned losses.
Though the court's decision on the day of the trial remains uncertain, the claims and counterclaims reflect the broader scrutiny facing RBB, as well as the turbulence during Schlesinger's leadership. By the time she was dismissed, she was under criminal investigation, alongside former colleagues including Wolf-Dieter Wolf, the then-chair of RBB’s governing board, and others, intensifying the political and public interest surrounding the case.
The Berlin Public Prosecutor's Office has been investigating the scandal for several months, which raises broader questions about the governance of public-funded entities like RBB. The spokesperson for the Prosecutor’s Office remarked, "When the investigation will be concluded and how it will look is currently not predictable." This not only reflects the legal challenges Schlesinger faces but also shapes public perception and trust toward publicly-funded institutions.
Schlesinger maintained her innocence, asserting, "The RBB's counterclaim is merely attempting to deprive me of my retirement I earned over 32 years. The goal is to create the impression publicly they have done everything to minimize the alleged damage caused by Ms. Schlesinger." This pretrial statement hints at her defense strategy which will likely aim to confront the legitimacy of RBB's claims on procedural and evidential grounds.
The outcome of this trial could have significant repercussions not only for Schlesinger but also for RBB as they seek to recover from this scandal. With both sides so fervently laying claims, the trial will determine not just financial responsibilities but also roles of oversight and accountability within public institutions.
Throughout this tumultuous affair, RBB has already navigated through major staffing changes highlighted by the firings of other executives connected to the alleged misconduct. Current engagements also encompass investigations and legal proceedings involving additional figures from RBB's upper management, signalling the trial's broader implication on leadership structures at public broadcasters.
By the close of the proceedings, legal analysts and spectators alike will be watching, as the resolution could redefine standards of accountability within public service media and influence future engagements between public entities and their leadership. The case is set against the backdrop of increasing demand for transparency and ethical governance within publicly funded institutions, showcasing the entangled nature of salaries, roles, and public trust.
Only time will unravel the layers of this complex case, but for now, all eyes remain on the court as the proceedings begin. The court's decision, expected to shape the recovery of the organization and the future of its leadership, looms large over this already contentious legal battle.