The split of government ministries between Bonn and Berlin, which was established 30 years ago, is still a controversial issue in Germany. Currently, 27 percent of ministerial employees are still located in Bonn. According to a recent survey by the opinion research institute YouGov on behalf of the German Press Agency, 53 percent of Germans are in favor of completely relocating all ministries to Berlin, while only 25 percent are against it. In East Germany, the majority is even greater, with 65 percent in favor and 15 percent against. Even in North Rhine-Westphalia, where Bonn is located, more people are in favor of a complete move to the capital (43 percent) than against it (36 percent). In Berlin itself, over two-thirds of residents (69 percent) support having the entire government based in their city.
The Berlin/Bonn Law, which came into effect on May 7, 1994, outlined the division of ministries between the two cities. The law stated that “the majority of jobs in federal ministries will remain in the federal capital of Bonn.” However, since 2008, this provision has not been fully implemented, and only 27 percent of ministerial positions are currently based in Bonn. Six out of the 14 ministries still have their primary headquarters in Bonn: Education and Research, Health, Agriculture, Environment, Defense, and Development. The ministries with Berlin as their primary location also maintain a secondary presence in Bonn, resulting in all ministries being split between two locations.
The preference for fully relocating all ministries to Berlin is especially strong in East Germany, where 65 percent of individuals support the move, compared to 15 percent who oppose it. In West Germany, the numbers are slightly less in favor, with 50 percent supporting the move and 27 percent against it. Interestingly, even in North Rhine-Westphalia, where Bonn is located, there is greater support for a complete relocation to Berlin (43 percent) than for maintaining the current split (36 percent). The majority of Berlin residents are also in favor of having the entire government headquartered in their city.
The ongoing debate surrounding the division of government ministries between Bonn and Berlin highlights the differences in opinion across various regions of Germany. While some argue for the economic benefits of consolidation and centralization in Berlin, others emphasize the historical and cultural significance of Bonn as a former capital. Ultimately, the decision on whether to fully relocate all ministries to Berlin will need to take into account a range of factors, including public opinion, logistical considerations, and political implications.
