Berlin's Digital State Secretary Withdraws Resignation Request Amid Insolvency Probe

The controversy centers on Hundt's previous role at SDC Sachsen Digital Consulting GmbH. The attorney explained that an audit by the German Federal Pension Insurance is now underway to clarify the situation. "A payroll audit by the Deutsche Rentenversicherung Bund is now taking place for SDC Sachsen Digital Consulting GmbH to clarify whether there are any outstanding contribution claims at all," the lawyer said.

The attorney further clarified Hundt's position at the firm, stating he was never a shareholder but only an external managing director, and only until autumn 2024. "He was never a shareholder there, but only an external managing director, and that only until autumn 2024," the statement read.

The turmoil began after investigations by public broadcasters MDR and RBB revealed that the Dresden public prosecutor's office was investigating Hundt in connection with a company insolvency. Insolvency proceedings were opened against the assets of his consulting firm, SDC Sachsen Digital Consulting GmbH, in November 2025.

Background of the Controversy

Hundt, a native of Dresden born in 1969, had only taken up his post in Berlin in mid-March. He was appointed Chief Digital Officer and State Secretary for Digitalization and Administrative Modernization in the Berlin Senate Chancellery.

The sudden reversal adds a new layer of complexity to the Berlin state government's digital agenda. The Senate Chancellery, led by Governing Mayor Kai Wegner, has not yet issued a public response to Hundt's decision to stay.

Political Fallout in Berlin

The situation places Hundt's future under a cloud of uncertainty as the pension insurance audit proceeds. The investigation by Dresden prosecutors into the insolvency case also remains ongoing.

Hundt's brief tenure and the subsequent controversy have drawn attention to the vetting processes for high-level political appointments. The case highlights the potential for past business entanglements to disrupt government operations.

For now, Hundt remains in his role, awaiting the outcome of the audits that will determine the validity of the claims against him. His lawyer expressed disappointment that the hope for a swift resolution had been dashed. "This hope was unfortunately disappointed," the attorney said.