Opposition Rejects Inquiry Report on Lamia Messari-Becker Dismissal Amid Ongoing Controversy

The final report by the Hessian Landtag's inquiry committee into the dismissal of ex-State Secretary Lamia Messari-Becker has been met with rejection and sharp criticism from opposition parties AfD, Greens, and FDP. These groups announced plans to submit special votes expressing their dissenting perspectives. Presented by CDU's Jörg Michael Müller, the approximately 150-page report is based on testimonies from 27 witnesses and three experts, encompassing nearly 3,700 pages of documentation.

The report cites Wirtschaftsminister Mansoori's rationale of 'unacceptable misconduct' in Messari-Becker's private life—specifically allegations that she exerted undue pressure concerning her daughter's academic achievements—as grounds for dismissal. Messari-Becker denies these accusations and is pursuing legal action, claiming defamation and unfair treatment.

SPD committee chair Marius Weiß emphasized that Messari-Becker will receive the report for her comments ahead of the committee's final discussion scheduled for December 11 in Wiesbaden. While the SPD maintains that the state government acted lawfully and justifiably, Greens and FDP contend that the report fails to address crucial questions and appears biased in favor of the government. This ongoing political dispute underscores a deep division over the legitimacy of Messari-Becker's removal and highlights continued contention within Hessian politics.

The inquiry committee's exhaustive investigation and multi-party responses make the case a significant example of partisan disagreement over alleged misconduct and administrative accountability in state government.