Consulting role abandoned by Mr. Tesla of Brandenburg due to potential ethics issues

In a surprising turn of events, Jörg Steinbach, the former Minister of Economic Affairs in the state of Brandenburg, has been asked to suspend his CMS-related work due to a breach of the Ministerial Act. The conflict of interest arises from Steinbach's role in obtaining planning permission for Tesla's Giga factory in Grünheide, and his subsequent consulting job.

Steinbach played a key role in securing planning permission for Tesla's enormous Giga factory, located outside Berlin in Grünheide. The factory, a significant project, has been supported by Elon Musk, Tesla's CEO, who has been known for his controversial political views. Musk has been a supporter of Donald Trump, performed an on-stage Nazi salute, and openly backed the AfD in Germany.

Despite their controversial friendship, Steinbach has commented that he values Musk as an innovator. However, Steinbach has rejected claims that he was seeking to benefit Tesla or Musk with his consulting role. He plans to analyze the reasoning behind the government order with his lawyer.

Under Brandenburg law, Steinbach's consulting role with CMS, which advised on the Giga-Berlin project, was judged to breach the Ministerial Act. The decision was made that Steinbach cannot continue working for the law firm CMS Hasche Sigle. This decision was reached after a review by the state chancellery to ensure that his employment did not conflict with public interests, following his resignation from his ministerial position in Brandenburg.

The restriction on Steinbach's employment related to his former position runs until 10 December 2026. Steinbach, a member of the SPD party, has expressed regret upon receiving the government order to suspend his CMS-related work. He has been forced to give up his consulting job due to the conflict of interest regarding Tesla's Giga factory.

The Giga factory, an enormous project, is a testament to the growing influence of electric vehicles and renewable energy in Germany. Despite the controversy surrounding Steinbach's consulting role, the project continues to move forward, with Tesla making significant progress in the construction of the factory.

In conclusion, the conflict of interest surrounding Steinbach's consulting role with CMS has led to his suspension from the firm. The decision was made to ensure that his employment did not conflict with public interests, following his resignation from his ministerial position in Brandenburg. Steinbach, a member of the SPD party, has expressed regret upon receiving the government order to suspend his CMS-related work and plans to analyze the reasoning behind the decision with his lawyer.

Consulting role abandoned by Mr. Tesla of Brandenburg due to potential ethics issues