Brandenburg Health Minister Removed Amid Hospital Reform Dispute

Brandenburg's Health Minister Ursula Nonnemacher was dismissed by Prime Minister Dietmar Woidke in a notable political upheaval. The dismissal occurred shortly before a Federal Council session on a contentious hospital reform, which Nonnemacher opposed. Her stance against the reform and the mediation committee's involvement was the primary reason for her removal.

The reform, championed by the traffic light coalition, aims to improve treatment quality but could lead to hospital closures. Critics, including district administrators and the hospital association, advocate for further discussions to secure hospital operations and ensure transformation payments. Despite these efforts, the reform was approved by the Federal Council, reflecting a complex political landscape marked by unclear majorities and impending elections.

Woidke's decision underscores a significant political rift, as he sought to prevent Nonnemacher from opposing the reform's referral to the mediation committee. The conflict highlights the broader tension within Brandenburg's coalition government as negotiations continue for a new administration.

Nonnemacher, praised for her crisis management during the pandemic, received her dismissal certificate during the Federal Council meeting. Her departure from office marks a pivotal moment in Brandenburg's political dynamics, as Woidke distances himself from the SPD-led federal government, potentially bolstering his political standing in the region.