Veronika Grimm challenges the Code of Conduct: Wirtschaftsweisen
Economist Veronika Grimm, a member of the Expert Council, is facing criticism due to her position at Siemens Energy. Now, the dispute has reached the court.
Veronika Grimm is challenging new compliance rules of the Wirtschaftsweisen
A new chapter has unfolded in the dispute among the Wirtschaftsweisen: Council member Veronika Grimm has filed a lawsuit against an internal code of conduct in front of the Administrative Court in Wiesbaden. This was revealed by the chairwoman of the advisory body, Monika Schnitzer, to „Wirtschaftswoche“. The background of the dispute is the new compliance code and Grimm’s position on the supervisory board at Siemens Energy.
According to Schnitzer, the code includes transparency requirements. Possible conflicts of interest should be disclosed and discussed within the council. This is aimed at maintaining the perception of the Expert Council as independent, Schnitzer told the magazine. Grimm intends to challenge the code in court, which Schnitzer mentioned as an unfortunate situation due to the potentially lengthy legal process.
Grimm confirmed the report to the news agency dpa. „I will not comment on the contents. Firstly, confidentiality is agreed upon, which I will adhere to. Secondly, arguments will be exchanged in court,“ Grimm told dpa. Anticipating the court’s decision and discussing these matters publicly now is not constructive.
The Expert Council for the Assessment of the Overall Economic Development, whose members are referred to as „Wirtschaftsweise“, advises the federal government and also expresses opinions on economic issues publicly. In the debate over the acquisition of Commerzbank by the Italian UniCredit, Schnitzer stated that the objections raised against the deal were not convincing.
For months, there has been a dispute over a board position held by Council member Grimm at Siemens Energy. The other four members of the council see this as problematic. Grimm had been asked by her colleagues in the Expert Council to either resign from her position at Siemens Energy or from her role in the expert body due to potential conflicts of interest. Schnitzer had announced a code of conduct for future work within the council.
To understand why the mood among government advisors is sour and why it is not solely due to Veronika Grimm’s job at Siemens Energy, read more here.