partycannot continue indefinitely

The ongoing economic and operational crisis at German Railways has taken a new turn, with the announcement that railway chief Richard Lutz is expected to leave his position earlier than anticipated.

According to the Rhineland-Palatinate Minister of Transport, Katrin Eder, Lutz has been a lame duck for months due to the railway's troubled state. Eder has urged for a swift resolution in the succession of Lutz, and the search for a new leader is currently underway.

Patrick Schnieder, the Federal Minister of Transport (CDU), has also announced that Lutz will only lead the company until a successor is found. Initially, Lutz's contract was set to run until 2027, but the current situation at German Railways does not allow for a prolonged power struggle at the top, as Eder stated.

Eder, a Green politician, has emphasised that a new person at the top of the railway will not be sufficient; the Federal Minister of Transport needs to focus on the railway and quickly implement reforms. She believes these reforms should particularly benefit passengers, who have been affected by the ongoing crisis for months.

The search for Lutz's successor is ongoing, with several candidates being considered, both internal and external managers. However, as of the latest reports in September 2025, no definitive successor has been announced.

Eder has also highlighted the need for increased investment in the neglected railway infrastructure. She argues that Germany needs to invest more per capita to bring the infrastructure up to date, a necessary step to address the crisis at hand.

The railway's economic and operational crisis has been a significant issue for years, impacting the daily lives of millions of passengers. Eder's statements suggest that she is concerned about further neglect of the railway if the situation is not addressed promptly.

As the hunt for a new railway chief intensifies, the focus remains on finding a solution that will stabilise the railway and pave the way for a brighter future for passengers and the railway industry in Germany.