Reiche Skips Government Open House Amid Low Poll Numbers, June 21

Katherina Reiche, Germany’s Economy Minister, is the only cabinet member absent from the government’s two-day public open house on June 20-21. Her ministry cited scheduling conflicts but provided no details. Reiche’s absence stands out as Chancellor Friedrich Merz and all other ministers attend the event, which draws around 100,000 visitors annually.

Why Reiche Skipped the Event

Reiche’s ministry said she was “terminlich” (scheduling) prevented from attending. The ministry offered no specifics about her other commitments. Three parliamentary state secretaries and ministry staff will represent the Economy Ministry at the open house instead. The decision to send substitutes rather than the minister herself signals a missed opportunity for public engagement.

Reiche’s Approval Crisis

Reiche faces severe political headwinds. In a Forsa poll for Stern and RTL, 75 percent of respondents said she is not the right person to handle Germany’s economic challenges. Her trust rating plummeted from 40 points in May 2025 to 19 points one year later. She also recently hired an image consultant, Joachim Koschnicke, on taxpayer funds to improve her public standing.

Cabinet Attendance and Public Pressure

The government open house features over 1,000 program points across all ministries. Chancellor Merz will hold a dialogue session on Sunday afternoon. Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig fielded tough questions on digital violence, tech monopolies, and free speech limits. Reiche’s absence makes her the sole exception among cabinet members, underscoring her isolation within the government.

Economic Challenges and Reform Demands

Germany’s economy remains stagnant, and Reiche has pushed for labor market reforms including looser job protections and longer working hours. Her ministry has also advocated for an “Agenda 2030” with less state regulation. Despite these policy positions, her public credibility has eroded significantly over the past year.

Final Thoughts

Reiche’s absence from the open house reflects her weakened political position. With 75% of voters questioning her competence and her trust rating halved in a year, the minister faces mounting pressure to restore credibility on Germany’s economic stagnation.

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