Berlin Justice Senator Clarifies Purpose of Frequent Official Trips
Berlin's Justice Senator, Felor Badenberg, has addressed recent public attention regarding her comparatively high number of official trips since taking office. The senator explained the necessity and professional relevance of each journey, emphasizing that all travel was undertaken to fulfill responsibilities related to her position within the Berlin Senate.
According to official records, Badenberg has completed 43 business trips since beginning her tenure in April 2023. This figure is notably higher than that of her peers within the Senate. For example, the Economic Senator has logged 21 trips, while the Interior Senator has recorded 20, and the Building Senator 19. The Governing Mayor's office reported 18 such trips in the same period.
Badenberg attributed the frequency of her travels to the importance of inter-state cooperation and representation at national events. She highlighted her efforts to maintain communication and collaboration with ministerial colleagues from other German states. These interactions, she noted, are essential for addressing legal and administrative matters impacting Berlin and the broader federal landscape.
In addition to meetings with counterparts, Badenberg regularly participates in conferences, panel discussions, and events where she delivers presentations or represents Berlin in various forums. She stated that she responds to invitations when her schedule permits, ensuring Berlin's interests are present in key national dialogues.
Some media reports had drawn attention to the fact that a significant number of Badenberg's trips were to North Rhine-Westphalia, her place of origin, and frequently occurred on Mondays or Fridays. This timing, the reports suggested, might coincide with weekends. Badenberg responded that her regular Senate obligations, which predominantly fall on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, leave Mondays and Fridays as the most practical days for official travel. She outlined her weekly commitments, which include Senate meetings, department head conferences, and parliamentary sessions, restricting her availability for external engagements to the start or end of the week.
Badenberg also addressed suggestions that her official trips could be serving personal purposes, particularly those involving travel to her home state. She asserted that all activities were professionally motivated and complied with official procedures, including proper notification and documentation of each journey. The senator clarified that members of the Berlin Senate are not required to seek prior approval for business travel but must report such activity according to established guidelines. Reimbursement for travel expenses is provided in accordance with regulations for official duties outside the city.
Regarding transportation, Badenberg stated that she uses both train and air travel, with the choice depending on scheduling and logistical considerations related to her official duties.
The senator emphasized her commitment to transparency and adherence to the rules governing official travel, reiterating that her actions align with the expectations of her office. The discussion over her travel schedule comes amid broader scrutiny of public officials' use of resources, prompting public interest in how government representatives balance their responsibilities with accountability.