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Claudia Pechstein at the CDU policy convention in Berlin in June
Photograph:
Michael Kappeler / dpa
The Federal Police has apparently started disciplinary proceedings against speed skater Claudia Pechstein. As the "Bild" newspaper reports, it is about alleged violations of the civil service law.
As the newspaper quotes from a letter initiating the proceedings, Pechstein is said to have had no "permission or permission to wear the uniform". This is a violation of the police service regulation, according to which the uniform may not be worn at political events. Pechstein therefore has two weeks to make an oral statement on the proceedings and can make a written statement within four weeks.
A confirmation by the Federal Police was still pending after a SPIEGEL request. Pechstein is represented by a lawyer in the matter, according to "Bild" and does not want to comment on the proceedings.
Controversial debates within the Union
Her appearance in official uniform at the CDU convention on June 17 in Berlin had triggered heated debates, especially within the Union. In a speech, the Olympian and federal police officer had campaigned, among other things, for the deportation of rejected asylum seekers.
CDU party leader Friedrich Merz called the appearance "brilliant" afterwards. His party colleague, Bundestag Vice-President Yvonne Magwas, expressed sharp criticism: "At school, the teacher would have said 'missed the point' in the grade," she told SPIEGEL. Magwas is a member of the CDU presidium and federal executive committee.
Shortly after Pechstein's appearance, the Federal Police announced that a "service law review" had been initiated because of Pechstein's appearance. SPIEGEL research had shown early on that the 51-year-old could have violated a service regulation. The speed skater, on the other hand, stated that she had previously asked a union representative and a supervisor, and that she had been given the option of appearing in uniform.
Federal Police President rebuked Pechstein
Her appearance also brought Pechtstein criticism from colleagues. Federal Police President Dieter Romann warned in a letter to employees that officials had to serve "the whole people, not one party." They must perform their duties impartially and fairly and conduct their duties for the common good," Romann said, referring to Section 60 of the Federal Civil Service Act.
Pechstein won five Olympic gold medals as a speed skater, and she was also European and World Champion. In the 2021 federal election, she ran for the CDU as a direct candidate in the Berlin constituency of Treptow-Köpenick, but was defeated there by former Left Party parliamentary group leader Gregor Gysi.
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