Merz starts saving: Among the first moves is the abolition of envoy and coordinator positions, Sarrazin is history

(Patria) - The new German federal government, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, plans a significant reduction in the number of special envoys, commissioners, and coordinators – and among the positions to be abolished is the one intended for the Western Balkans.

According to the German newspaper Bild, the government will decide on the abolition of a total of 25 positions at its first session this Tuesday, including the position of special envoy for the Western Balkans. This position was introduced during the previous government of Olaf Scholz by then-Minister of Foreign Affairs Annalena Baerbock, and was held by Manuel Sarrazin, a member of the Green Party.

According to the available resolution document, the reason for this decision is not a reduction in Germany's interest in the region, but rather the rationalization and simplification of the government's work. Instead of special envoys, responsibility for regional policies will be returned to the competent ministries and their appointed officials.

The decision also stipulates that new trust positions can only be established in the future by a cabinet decision or an organizational decree of the Federal Chancellor, unless otherwise regulated by law.

This change could have a significant symbolic impact on the perception of German foreign policy in the region, although official Berlin states that it will continue to maintain a strong presence and support for the Western Balkan countries through official channels.