Investigation Launched Against Newly Appointed Lower Saxony Prime Minister

Hannover - Olaf Lies, who took office as the Prime Minister of Lower Saxony just weeks ago, is under investigation following an incident that resulted in the injury of a cyclist. The cyclist is currently hospitalized, prompting the public prosecutor's office to look into the matter for possible negligent bodily harm.

The accident occurred on Thursday morning around 7 a.m. in the city center of Hannover while Lies was en route to a meeting at Rheinmetall in Unterlüß, located in the Celle district. According to government sources, Lies' official vehicle was stopped in Osterstraße when he opened the car door slightly, inadvertently striking a passing cyclist who subsequently fell and injured his little finger.

A government spokesperson confirmed that Lies remained at the scene until law enforcement and medical personnel arrived. He exchanged contact information with the injured cyclist and has maintained communication with him since the incident. However, the police are also looking into the possibility of an unauthorized departure from the accident scene. Initially, investigations were launched on suspicion of hit-and-run, but as stated by a spokesperson from the Hannover public prosecutor's office, there were insufficient grounds for this allegation. The inquiry now solely focuses on the suspicion of negligent bodily harm.

Olaf Lies was elected as the new Prime Minister of Lower Saxony on May 20, 2025. He has been part of the state government since 2013, initially serving as Minister of Economic Affairs, later transitioning to the Ministry of the Environment in 2017 during the red-black coalition, and returning to the Economic Affairs portfolio in 2022.

This recent incident has raised significant concerns and has already generated a considerable amount of public scrutiny for the new minister, who is navigating the early days of his leadership.

As the investigation unfolds, the implications for Lies' political career and public perception remain to be seen. His actions following the accident, including staying at the scene and communicating with the victim, might play a crucial role in how the situation develops.