On Monday, April 28, 2025, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) announced that Philipp Amthor, a 32-year-old member of the Bundestag, will step into the role of Parliamentary State Secretary in the newly established Ministry for Digitalization and State Modernization. This appointment marks a significant milestone in Amthor's political career, as he is set to work under Karsten Wildberger, the newly appointed Digital Minister and CEO of MediaMarkt/Saturn Group.
Friedrich Merz, the CDU leader and future Chancellor, is placing considerable trust in Amthor, who will be tasked with representing the ministry externally and supporting Wildberger in government operations. Amthor's responsibilities will include spearheading efforts to reduce bureaucracy and modernize state functions, a priority that has resonated with many citizens frustrated by Germany's complex administrative processes.
During coalition negotiations with the Social Democratic Party (SPD), Amthor served as the chief negotiator for the CDU, focusing on bureaucracy reduction and state modernization. His role in these discussions showcased his commitment to streamlining government processes, an issue that many believe is critical for improving efficiency in public administration.
Had Carsten Linnemann, another prominent CDU figure, moved into the government, Amthor might have been poised to take over as CDU General Secretary. However, with Linnemann remaining in his current position, Amthor's trajectory is now set toward this new role, where he will continue to serve as General Secretary of the CDU in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and maintain his honorary position as a member representative of the Federal CDU.
Amthor's appointment has been met with enthusiasm from party members. Daniel Peters, the CDU state chairman, expressed optimism about Amthor's capabilities, stating, "Many people are rightly upset about the overwhelming bureaucracy in Germany. I am very pleased that Philipp Amthor will tackle this issue." Peters also praised the overall personnel selection made by Merz, noting that there has been a significant emphasis on expertise and competency compared to the previous government.
Amthor's political journey began when he was elected to the Bundestag in 2017 as the youngest member of the CDU. His rise to prominence was accelerated by his strong performances in debates, particularly against the Alternative for Germany (AfD), where he was recognized as a promising young leader within the party. However, his career faced challenges, including a lobbyism scandal involving Augustus Intelligence, which temporarily hindered his political ascent.
Despite these setbacks, Amthor's resilience has allowed him to maintain a prominent role in the CDU. He has been vocal in advocating for a more substantial and fact-based debate with the AfD, arguing that trivializing the party does not effectively counter its influence. In a recent interview with the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Amthor emphasized the importance of addressing the AfD through passionate and factual discussions rather than relying on parliamentary maneuvers.
As he steps into this new role, Amthor is expected to leverage his experience and knowledge to advance the CDU's agenda for modernization and efficiency. His background as a lawyer and his previous roles within the party, including serving as a member of the Internal Affairs Committee, position him well to tackle the challenges ahead.
Karsten Wildberger, who will lead the new ministry, brings a wealth of experience from the private sector, having managed over 1,000 markets across twelve countries. His appointment signifies a shift towards integrating business acumen into governmental functions, which many believe is necessary for effective modernization efforts.
The establishment of the Ministry for Digitalization and State Modernization reflects a broader trend in German politics, where there is a growing recognition of the need for government to adapt to the digital age. This ministry aims to streamline public services and enhance the efficiency of state operations, ultimately benefiting citizens who have long dealt with bureaucratic hurdles.
As the CDU prepares to implement its modernization agenda, the collaboration between Wildberger and Amthor will be closely watched. Their combined expertise in both politics and business could pave the way for significant reforms that address longstanding issues within the German bureaucratic system.
In conclusion, Philipp Amthor's new role as Parliamentary State Secretary represents a pivotal moment in his career and a strategic move for the CDU as it seeks to modernize Germany's governmental structures. With the backing of Friedrich Merz and the experience of Karsten Wildberger, the ministry is poised to tackle the pressing issues of bureaucracy and digitalization head-on, potentially reshaping the landscape of German governance for years to come.
