Data protection takes a back seat with potential CDU appointment 27. January 202310. February 2023 On the occasion of tomorrow’s European Data Protection Day, the Greens in the state are again putting pressure on the coalition, as the office of the state data protection commissioner has been vacant for years. Dennis Helmich, state chairman of BÜNDNIS 90/DIE GRÜNEN Saxony-Anhalt: “It is alarming that Saxony-Anhalt still does not have a data protection commissioner. The countless failed elections in the state parliament are embarrassing for the state and will scare off suitable applicants for top positions for years to come. Citizens, companies and data protection are waiting for the appointment. Compliance with existing data protection regulations and consultation on the subject are of enormous importance for today’s digital society. The current rumors about how the coalition of CDU, SPD and FDP intends to finally fill this office are therefore also disturbing. For us, one thing is clear: The office of the State Data Protection Commissioner would take a back seat if someone unqualified from the ranks of the CDU members of the state parliament were appointed.”