Political Baggage Derails Deutsche Bahn? CDU/CSU Says It’s Time to Reset

Germany’s opposition alliance CDU/CSU is demanding immediate structural reforms at Deutsche Bahn (DB), targeting the top-level leadership of the national railway operator.

The CDU/CSU alliance, expected to form the next federal government, is pushing for swift personnel changes at Deutsche Bahn and its infrastructure arm, DB InfraGO. According to coalition discussions with the centre-left SPD, traditionally close to DB, the reform plan includes restructuring both the management and supervisory boards to prioritise professional qualifications and operational efficiency.

"Changes to the board and supervisory council must happen right at the beginning of the legislative term," said CSU lawmaker Ulrich Lange in a statement to dpa. "As members of the Bundestag, we represent the shareholder, and we are not satisfied with the current direction of DB’s leadership," he added. Lange has served as a transport policy expert in the Bundestag since 2014 and participated in recent coalition negotiations.

Weselsky war wieder on fire in dem Interview.

„Es ist die CDU/CSU gewesen, die über Jahrzehnte auch den Verkehrsminister gestellt hat. Der hat zugelassen, dass der so wildgewordene Bahnvorstand das Netz in Deutschland in Grund und Boden gefahren hat.“ pic.twitter.com/yMWbRBlune

— DJ P.R. 🙄 (@djpr) March 10, 2024

Leaner Executive Board and End to Political Appointments

Deutsche Bahn’s current eight-member board is under scrutiny. Lange argues that this should be reduced by a third, citing a need for a more agile and professional leadership structure. Questions remain whether such a restructuring could sideline politically appointed individuals, a sensitive issue in a state-owned enterprise closely linked to party politics.

CEO Richard Lutz, who has led the company since 2017, holds a contract until 2027. The supervisory board is chaired by Werner Gatzer, a long-time SPD politician and former deputy finance minister, reflecting the deep political entanglements at DB’s top.

Political Battlelines Drawn Ahead of Government Transition

The CDU/CSU’s push for reform comes after failing to force a structural breakup of the Deutsche Bahn Group during earlier negotiations. With the new federal government set to take office in May, the alliance is instead positioning itself as the driving force behind internal reforms.

The campaign for change gained momentum during the national election period, fuelled by public frustration over DB’s poor performance. Only 62% of long-distance trains currently arrive on time, while DB Cargo continues to post heavy losses. Observers have also criticised DB for its neglected infrastructure, lagging construction modernisation, and excessive executive pay.

Sources: Tagesschau; RAILTARGET