Special Investigative Panel Formed Amidst Financial Scrutiny for Tourism Association Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
Investigative Panel to Shed Light on Tourism Association's Activities - Committee to Investigate Advancements in Tourism Industry
Get the hot tea! The Economic Affairs Committee, a subgroup within the state parliament, is set to probe the financial shenanigans swirling around the Tourism Association of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The special investigation team was formed during a meeting on Thursday, according to chairman Martin Schmidt (AfD). CDU, Greens, and FDP pushed for this commission, but the SPD and Left majority had their own agenda and passed their own motion instead.
The ruling parties are being scrutinized for playing politics with this investigation, as critics claim they aim to save their Ministry of Economics from political scrutiny. "Instead of fostering a thorough, honest examination of the allegations, their approach seeks to shift accountability away from the Ministry," a joint statement from CDU, Greens, and FDP reads. "The coalition appears more interested in protecting its own ministry than in conducting a genuine investigation."
Professional discussion provided little clarity
Before the formation of this special investigation team, a two-hour expert discussion took place, with representatives from the Tourism Association and the Ministry of Economics in attendance. Confusion remains regarding why the association was deprived of state subsidies by the ministry despite inconsistencies in the annual financial statements. The outcome of these discrepancies and whether appropriate action was taken is still a mystery.
Daniel Peters, the CDU faction leader, lambasted the Ministry of Economics for its handling of the situation. "Although a comprehensive review was initiated, its results are not yet available. However, the ministry seems to already have these results. This conduct is absolutely scandalous," Peters asserted. He suspects a plot to dismantle a well-oiled machine that has been operating for 30 years and to dispose of unwanted individuals.
State funds granted upon departure of association manager
The resignation of Tobias Woitendorf, the esteemed association manager, was a prerequisite for the state to provide funding again in April, preventing impending bankruptcy and ensuring employees received their wages. However, this decision does not provide for long-term financing.
Landtag President Birgit Hesse, the president of the Tourism Association Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, pleaded with the Ministry of Economics for swift clarity regarding the future structures and financing of tourism promotion. "The employees of the association need a sense of security and this is crucial for marketing as we head into the busy season," said Hesse after the expert discussion with dpa. The board remains open to a fresh start, she stressed. Collaboration is key to fostering forward-thinking tourism structures that are vital to a state heavily rooted in tourism.
Economic Minister Wolfgang Blank (independent) stressed the importance of ensuring the association's credibility as a funding recipient to secure the job security of its employees. "We have a flotation device now. What we need is a ship that can sail for the long haul," said Blank.
Financial Irregularities and the use of Funds
The Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Tourism Association receives near-complete funding from the state, but the appropriateness of this arrangement has been questioned. In February, the Ministry of Economy halted payments and filed a complaint after identifying irregularities in the use of funds. Although personal enrichment was not reported, the specifics remain murky. An investigation by the Public Prosecutor's Office in Schwerin has been launched, but its findings are yet to be released. The primary focus of the investigation seems to surround a reserve of 1.27 million euros that was allegedly formed inappropriately.
Following a downturn in tourism due to the COVID-19 pandemic, domestic tourism had a rapid recovery. In 2024, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern saw the second-highest figures for guest arrivals and overnight stays since reunification. The previous year, 8.0 million guests visited and booked 32.9 million overnight stays. Only in the record year 2019 were the numbers slightly higher by nearly four percent.
- The Economic Affairs Committee is set to investigate financial irregularities within the Tourism Association of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, particularly focusing on inconsistencies in the use of funds.
- Despite the special investigation team's formation, confusion remains about why the association was deprived of state subsidies, raising questions about appropriate action taken.
- CDU faction leader Daniel Peters accused the Ministry of Economics of scandalous conduct, suspecting a plot to dismantle the tourism association and dispose of unwanted individuals.
- Collaboration is crucial for fostering forward-thinking tourism structures that are vital to Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, a state heavily rooted in community aid, vocational training, and tourism, to secure the livelihoods of its inhabitants and maintain a specific lifestyle which includes travel.
