Hesse State Secretary Banned from Ministry Amid Sexual Harassment Probe

Umut Sönmez, the former State Secretary in Hesse's Ministry of Economic Affairs, was subjected to a partial entry ban and subsequently dismissed following allegations of sexual harassment. The restrictions were implemented to protect an employee during internal investigations into incidents reportedly occurring at a ministry carnival celebration. Two external law firms were engaged to ensure the integrity of the proceedings. The Wiesbaden public prosecutor’s office has confirmed formal investigations based on initial suspicion under the German Criminal Code. Sönmez, a member of the SPD, firmly rejects the accusations as inaccurate and cites the presumption of innocence. His dismissal was executed by Prime Minister Boris Rhein upon the request of Economics Minister Kaweh Mansoori. Controversy arose regarding transparency when Mansoori addressed opposition questions in a closed parliamentary committee session rather than publicly. While the Green and FDP opposition parties criticized this lack of public accountability as detrimental to democratic interests, the SPD defended the confidential approach, emphasizing the necessity of protecting personal rights and ensuring careful handling of the sensitive legal matter.