German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has publicly defended a summit run by his culture minister’s media group, which offers political access for €80,000, dismissing recent allegations of wrongdoing. The Ludwig Erhard Summit, organized by the Weimer Media Group, has become embroiled in controversy after reports surfaced that the company sells exclusive access to politicians, including a private meeting lounge, for up to €8,000 per seat. Merz has rejected these allegations, claiming they are unfounded and orchestrated by the right-wing. Opposition lawmakers and transparency groups have criticized the situation, arguing that it represents a clear conflict of interest, given that Weimer oversees media policy while his family’s company profits from selling political access. Despite the backlash, the summit is scheduled to proceed in 2026, with high-profile speakers from Merz’s conservative Christian Democrats party.
Swiss newspaper Neue Zuercher Zeitung reported last week that Frei and Bar moved to distance themselves from the summit’s ‘Executive Night’, but both are still listed as speakers, along with Bavarian Premier Markus Soder. Weimer has said he stepped down from executive functions in the Weimer Media Group upon taking office, and that his wife now controls the business. A law firm has issued Merz a legal warning accusing him of unfair advertising by using his office to promote the summit, a business tied to Weimer’s former company.
While the summit remains on the calendar, the controversy has sparked broader debates about the intersection of media influence, political power, and corporate interests in Germany. The scandal has highlighted the growing concerns about the opacity and potential for corruption in high-level political events. As the summit approaches, the political and media landscapes in Germany will be closely watched for any developments that could further impact the government’s standing and public trust.