Tesla Consultancy Position Relinquished by Brandenburg Over Conflicting Interests

In a recent development, Jörg Steinbach, the former Minister of Economic Affairs in Germany, finds himself embroiled in a conflict of interest controversy. The restriction for government ministers in Brandenburg, including Steinbach, from taking employment related to their former position for two years after leaving office ends on 10 December 2026. However, the government advisory body in Brandenburg has judged Steinbach's consulting role with the commercial law firm CMS to breach the Ministerial Act.

Steinbach, a member of the SPD party, played a significant role in obtaining planning permission for Tesla's Giga factory outside Berlin in Grünheide. Post his tenure, he took a consulting role with CMS, which had advised both the state of Brandenburg and Tesla in matters related to the Giga-Berlin project. The specific details of the consulting work that led to the breach of the Ministerial Act were not specified in the article.

In response to the government order, Steinbach expressed "regret" and plans to "analyze the reasoning... with his lawyer." He insists that he was acting as a "freelance consultant for technology issues" and denies seeking to benefit Tesla or Elon Musk, the CEO of the company.

The conflict of interest arose from Steinbach's close personal relationship with Musk, who openly backed the AfD in Germany, and his role in obtaining planning permission for Tesla's factory. Despite the breach of the Ministerial Act, Steinbach remains a member of the SPD party in Germany.

Elon Musk, known for his controversial actions, has performed an on-stage Nazi salute and is a supporter of Donald Trump. Steinbach, however, values Musk as an innovator, despite spending time arguing with him.

The specific details of the consulting job that led to the conflict of interest were not specified in the article, and it remains unclear whether Steinbach has suspended his CMS-related work or not. The article did not mention any potential consequences for Steinbach beyond being asked to suspend his CMS-related work. The search results do not provide information about the name of the law firm for which Joerg Steinbach worked as a freelancer before being asked to cease his activity.

This ongoing controversy highlights the importance of maintaining clear boundaries between public service and private interests, especially in high-profile projects involving influential figures. The resolution of this matter will be closely watched by both the public and political circles in Germany and beyond.

Tesla Consultancy Position Relinquished by Brandenburg Over Conflicting Interests