Federal Ministers Claimed 195 Free Tickets for Euro 2024
During the recent European Football Championship, several federal ministers attended the games as guests of honor, receiving complimentary “honorary tickets.” This practice has come under scrutiny, with critics questioning the ethics and potential conflict of interest involved.
According to a response from the Interior Ministry to a written inquiry, 195 free tickets were claimed by members of the Federal Government, Federal Council, and Federal Constitutional Court. The majority of these tickets (61) went to the Interior Ministry, led by Sports Minister Nancy Faeser. Other major recipients were the Chancellery and Foreign Office.
While some ministries justified their attendance as part of their official duties, others raised concerns. Legal experts expressed suspicion that accepting these free tickets could create the appearance of a conflict of interest, given UEFA‘s financial dependence on the federal political framework.
The Left Party criticized the allocation of tickets, stating that it appeared to be a reward for political influence rather than a legitimate public service.