Rhineland-Palatinate Minister-President Gordon Schnieder faces criticism over continued special leave for senior civil‑t

State Minister‑President Gordon Schnieder (CDU) promised during his campaign to end the practice of granting "Sonderurlaub" – special leave that allows senior civil servants to take extended periods off while securing higher pension benefits. Despite this pledge, former SPD state secretary Dr. Stephan Weinberg was granted a five‑year special leave in March 2026 to assume a managerial position at the University Medical Center Mainz, with a salary of up to €350,000 and a pension boost.

The CDU‑led state government argues the leave complies with state law, while legal expert Jürgen Lorse called the practice illegal and reversible. Opposition figures from the AfD and Greens, as well as the Taxpayers' Association, accuse Schnieder of breaking his promise and protecting a "self‑service" system. Schnieder deflects responsibility, saying the previous SPD government approved the leave shortly before the election.

Critics highlight that the leave is counted as pension‑eligible service, allowing Weinberg to earn a projected €1.5‑1.7 million over five years, a situation described as a "Sonderurlaubs‑Skandal" by opponents.