Germany's new Transport Minister Bilger pledges to accelerate infrastructure renovation

The new Federal Transport Minister no longer wants bad headlines about roads and railways. Renovations are to be implemented more quickly.

Published: 29 July 2026, 16:48

Steps on the gas: the new Transport Minister Steffen Bilger (CDU). Photo: Marijan Murat/dpa

By Anja Krüger, from Berlin

The new Federal Transport Minister Steffen Bilger (CDU) wants to implement transport projects more quickly. "We need more speed," said Bilger upon taking office from his predecessor Patrick Schnieder (CDU) on Wednesday at the Federal Ministry of Transport. He emphasized the need for greater prioritization.

"The Federal Chancellor has given me a clear mandate, which I take very seriously," said Bilger. "The funds available for transport must reach their destination." This applies to roads, railways, waterways, funding programs, cycle paths, and aviation.

The federal government's credit-financed "special fund" provides many billions of euros for upgrading infrastructure. However, the associated expectations for a swift modernization of transport routes have not yet been met.

"I want to ensure that transport infrastructure gets out of the negative headlines," said Bilger, referring to recurring reports about bridge closures or failures at Deutsche Bahn.

The 47-year-old is considered an advocate of conventional mobility, such as combustion engine cars. Upon taking office, he spoke out against "ideological debates" about modes of transport. People expect mobility to work and know what they need themselves, said Bilger. "I do not see it as my task to dictate to people how they should travel."

Bilger served as Parliamentary State Secretary under Transport Minister Andreas Scheuer (CSU) from 2018 to 2021. This period includes the scandal surrounding the failed car toll for foreigners, which cost the state a three-digit million amount in compensation.

Schnieder is a Good Loser

During the handover of office, Bilger's predecessor Schnieder showed himself to be a good loser. "I am really pleased that it was you," said Schnieder, addressing Bilger. "I don't know who would be better suited to do this."

The two first entered the Bundestag and the Transport Committee together in 2009. Schnieder had been surprisingly dismissed by Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz, which caused great displeasure in the CDU of Rhineland-Palatinate, where the former minister comes from.